The Forum of Igala Journalists (FORIJA) has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), to remove the OC Rapid Response in Lokoja, Kogi State, Femi Ojo, due to concerns about his neutrality and the potential for him to be used by the current administration to harass the opposition and innocent voters before and during this weekend’s election.
In a statement released on Monday, FORIJA said it had received credible information that Ojo is not neutral and is likely to be used to subvert the electoral process. The group also expressed concern about the violence that occurred during the 2015 election in Kogi State, and urged security agencies to remain neutral and ensure a free and fair election this weekend.
“We call on the Inspector General of Police to immediately remove the OC Rapid Response, Lokoja, Kogi State, Femi Ojo, from his position,” the statement said. “We have credible information that Ojo is not neutral and is likely to be used by the current administration to harass the opposition before and during this weekend’s election.
“We are also concerned about the violence that occurred during the 2015 election in Kogi State. We urge all security agencies to remain neutral and ensure a free and fair election this weekend. Free and fair elections are the building blocks of every striving democracy.
“We call on the people of Kogi State to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police or other relevant authorities.”
FORIJA is a non-governmental organization that was established in 2016 to promote the interests of journalists of Igala origin. The group has a track record of advocating for human rights, good governance, press freedom and media rights in Nigeria.
