*Declares policemen killed in protests covered by N500m Fund set up
*Clears stand over support for #ENDSARS
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, says it is not possible that everyone in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is bad, either officer or man.
He made this assertion during a post-#ENDSARS protests visit he paid on the Oyo State Police Command in Ibadan, on Monday.
Governor Makinde, who posted a statement regarding the visit on his verified Facebook handle Monday night, underscored the fact that police is an integral part of the community, which must therefore be held in high esteem.
He, however, urged the good ones in the foremost security agency to keep their own good work as, according to the governor, it is the their professional conduct that will back the trust of the people.
“This afternoon (Monday), we visited the Eleyele Police Command Headquarters, Ibadan, to meet with members of the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force.
“I stated that the police are a very important part of our community and acknowledged that not every member of the police force is bad. However, I said it is the professional conduct of the good ones that will win back the trust of the people.
“I encouraged them to look beyond the actions of thugs and hoodlums who hijacked the legitimate protests and unleashed mayhem on some members of the police force. Bearing in mind that the protesters even included them in their 5 for 5 requests by asking for better conditions of service for them.
“I said we should all work together to build a better society. That I support the protests does not mean I am against them. I am for the protection of everyone’s right, including the rights of policemen. And that we need their cooperation to ensure that arsonists and anarchists are brought to book.
“Finally, I told them that the families of policemen in Oyo State who were unlawfully killed will be part of those compensated from the initial N500M Fund which we set up last week. May their souls rest in peace,” Governor Makinde said.
