The Igala Vanguard has called on President Bola Tinubu to promptly reassign Navy Commander Charles Akalieze and his special task force within Kogi State ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial off-cycle election.
The group alleges that Akalezie was involved in actions detrimental to the well-being of the people of Kogi. In a statement by Lawrence Ankpa, they expressed their demand for his reassignment, as they accused the Commander and his Special Boat Service (SBS) personnel of participating in an incident that resulted in violence and casualties.
The incident involved a confrontation with the police guarding Sheikh Jibrin Usman’s residence, the Director General of the Muritala Ajaka campaign organization for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Anyigba. It resulted in casualties, and the SBS team allegedly took away several individuals who were later seen being led into the bush, stripped of their clothing.
The Igala Vanguard is concerned not only about the actions of Governor Yahaya Bello but also about the involvement of the Nigerian Navy forces, especially Commander Akalezie, in political activities orchestrated by the governor.
They raised questions about the integration of naval SBS troops into Governor Bello’s personal security detail and called for an explanation for this involvement. Failure to provide such an explanation should lead to the immediate removal of Commander Akalezie from his position.
The group emphasized that those involved in politically motivated crimes in Kogi State, including extrajudicial murders and arson, will be held accountable for their actions.
The situation in Kogi State is closely monitored, particularly as the off-season gubernatorial elections approach.
