Akiolu, who spoke at a two-day Stakeholder’s Summit organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos on Monday, disclosed that he was forcefully retired from the police force when he was the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, as a result of the advise Atiku and Daura sold to Obasanjo.
The Lagos monarch lamented that it was appalling for someone to sit at the Police Service Commission, PSC, and determine who retired from the police, saying this was not how to run a very efficient police force.
“I remember that I was a victim of that circumstance; then Atiku, Daura and others sat down and advised the President that if he wanted to win Lagos in 2003, I must be removed. It was written on paper.
“And in fairness to President Obasanjo, he argued that he knew nothing about it. And he had to send for the IG because the then Chief of Staff challenged the plan to retire me,” he narrated.
Akiolu also said they wanted to use the former Inspector General of Police, IGP, Tafa Balogun to do the hatchet job but that it backfired at the end of the day.
“And that is why Alhaji Gambo is still bitter because he wanted Balogun to disclose what the PDP wanted him to do in 2003. And all those money they alleged he (Balogun) was possessing, it was some of the governors who contributed that money to him,” he said.
Akiolu said the Police Service Commission was a toothless bulldog that could not act appropriately.
Akiolu, a former AIG, also accused the military of killing the efficiency and performance of the police force.
“I have listened with rapt attention to the argument of the Acting President, Osinbajo who was represented by the AGF. And let me tell you the truth, it was the military that killed the efficiency and performance police.
“In 1984, I was the head of the police fighting force for years. I am happy that at this time we have someone who is willing and prepared to assist the Nigerian police. I want to urge President Buhari to work with serious and open-minded people who will give the IG free hand to run the force. We are clamouring for community policing at the moment but I must tell you that it requires dedication, funds and men who are prepared to work,” he said.
Akiolu further said the reason for police barrack are collapsing in the country was as a result of neglect, urging the federal government to release funds to rehabilitate the barracks in order for the Divisional Police Officer, DPO and others top police officers to live within the community they had been assigned to work.
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