By Kingsley Ohens
In the lead-up to the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, the Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO) has condemned the unethical behavior of Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain from Etsako Central and former governorship aspirant, who appeared in a viral video wearing a Supernumerary Police uniform, openly campaigning for the APC while threatening Governor Godwin Obaseki and Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, and vowing to ensure their electoral defeat.
The ‘SPY Police Officer,’ surrounded by APC supporters wearing “MODEN” fez caps, made inflammatory comments about Obaseki and Ighodalo during a press conference and issued threats against the two leading politicians.
In a statement signed by Erhabor Emokpae on Wednesday in Benin City, TAMO called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to take immediate action against Mr. Agbomhere, even if indeed and in fact he is even a SPY Police officer.
“This conduct is not only inappropriate and abhorrent but undermines the foundational principles of neutrality and impartiality that are fundamental to the vocation of law enforcement”.
“The primary responsibility of police officers, whether conventional or SPY, is to serve and protect all members of the community, regardless of their political affiliations, beliefs, or backgrounds. As public servants, they are entrusted with the vital responsibility of upholding the law, maintaining order, and ensuring the safety of all citizens”.
“Using one’s position to intimidate, incite, and threaten others by engaging in partisan activities erodes public trust in law enforcement and compromises the integrity of the police force, whether conventional or SPY”.
“We unequivocally condemn this behavior and stress that public officials, particularly those in law enforcement, must adhere to the highest standards of conduct. It is essential that our security officers remain neutral and apolitical, focusing solely on their duty to protect and serve. If they cannot be neutral, they should resign from their duty posts. It is even doubtful whether he is truly a member of the SPY Police; it may be a case of impersonation, as he is known to be a former governorship aspirant of the APC”.
“We urge the relevant authorities, particularly the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to conduct a thorough investigation into this provocative matter and impose appropriate sanctions, both as a deterrent to others and to ensure accountability for any breaches of duty”.
“Furthermore, training and education programs should be reinforced to remind all personnel of the ethical obligations inherent in their positions”.
“The public deserves a police force that operates with fairness, objectivity, and respect for all individuals”.
“As we approach election day, Dr. Ighodalo remains committed to safeguarding these principles and fostering a community where trust between citizens and law enforcement is paramount,” TAMO said”.
