PRESS STATEMENT: EGBETOKUN VS SOWORE: OYO AAC CONDEMNS NPF’S SHAMEFUL CONDUCT We, the African Action Congress (AAC) Oyo State chapter, unequivocally express our displeasure and condemnation of the disgraceful actions taken by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) against Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of our party and the publisher of the international news website, SAHARA REPORTERS. This affront not only tarnishes the reputation of the police but also undermines the integrity of our constitution. Such behavior must be condemned by all dutiful Nigerians. The NPF's conduct in the past few days has been nothing short of a travesty. Instead of upholding law and order, the force has transformed into a laughingstock. The series of events began with inviting Sowore after he posted a video exposing extortion by police officers on the road. This was followed by his rejection of an illegal administrative bail that was granted to him. Subsequently, he was detained and charged in court on frivolous charges. Where the police prosecutor was shamefully arguing against his bail after offering him the same bail earlier. Additionally, the official communication channels of the Nigeria Police Force turned into platforms for misguided personal opinions from their paid bloggers, as well as petty vendettas, all in a feeble attempt to salvage the reputation of the embattled “illegal” IGP. It is clear to the Nigerian populace that the reappointment of the IGP was rife with political maneuvering and is, in fact, illegal. The National Assembly’s swift amendments to the police act, achieved in mere minutes and in blatant disregard for due process, is testament to this illegality. Nigerians will not stand idly by while this continues. Under Egbetokun’s watch, we have witnessed the violent suppression and killing of peaceful protests and even the prosecution of minors for treason, a disgraceful assault on our democracy that reflects poorly on the entire police force. The Public Relations Officer of the NPF, Muyiwa Adejobi, has further sullied the institution with his constant absurd online comments. It’s shameful that someone in such a vital role would engage in such unprofessionalism. Realistically, he would fit better as a palace jester or a town crier than as spokesperson for the nation’s police force. The AAC, as the only opposition party is steadfast in our commitment to fighting illegality and standing with the Nigerian people at all time. We demand that the NPF focus its efforts towards safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians, instead of harassing citizens exercising their constitutional rights and demanding justice. We call for the immediate resignation of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, just as his colleagues who have reached the constitutional retirement age have done. This is important to restore the integrity of the institution and prevent further disgrace. Omoyele Sowore remains the ever-conscious advocate for truth, justice, and the welfare of all Nigerians. Any attempt to silence him will be met with mass resistance from the Nigerian people. As the only vibrant opposition in Nigeria today, we stand strong against the corrupt Tinubu-led APC regime, knowing that our country belongs to all Nigerians, and we shall continue to resist all their anti-people policies and actions. Signed, Kayode Babayomi David Oyo State AAC Chair.