Foremost presidential candidates, Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar have condemned the gruesome killing of Barrister Bolanle Raheem by a trigger-happy policeman attached to Ajiwe Police State, Ajah Division, Lagos State Command on Christmas Day.
Newsonline reports that Bola Tinubu of All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) in their different statements condoned with the family and friends of the late Bolanle Raheem while they called for speedy investigation and justice.
Late Barrister Bolanle, who was pregnant at the time she was shot by the trigger-happy ASP, according to Nigerians on social media, has been turned to object for politics by presidential candidates who they accused to have at other times aligned with police in brutality of citizens.
Nigerians also said some presidential candidates who could not condemn the killing of many Nigerian youths on 20 October, 2020, at Lekki tollgate, during Endsars protest, aimed at campaigning against police brutality; and the lynching of Deborah Yakubu in Sokoto, by religious mob, have turned to play politics with the death of Bolanle.
Recall that the presidential candidates of the APC, Bola Tinubu and the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, have at different times been accused by the Nigerian youths of supporting extra-judicial killing of youths by mobs and policemen.
READ ALSO: Bolanle Raheem: Police Learned Nothing From Endsars- Sowore, Journalists, Nigerians
Two cases were the Lekki Massacre in Lagos, on October 20, 2020, where Nigerian youths were killed by soldiers for protesting against police brutality and an end to bad governance, and the killing of Deborah Yakubu in Sokoto. Tinubu in response to the massacre said those who were at Lekki on the night of the massacre have a question to answer.
Atiku Abubakar deleted his tweet condemning the lynching of Deborah Yakubu by religious bigots in Sokoto over alleged blasphemy. According to Atiku, he did not authorize the condemnation.
The former governor of Lagos State, Tinubu, in his condolence said, “I share the grief and frustration of Nigerians over the senseless killing of Mrs. Ombolanle Raheem by a police officer on Christmas Day in Lagos.
“The avoidable tragedy, which cost a family a beloved member and our country a diligent legal professional, underscores, yet again, the crucial importance and urgency of reforming the Nigeria Police Force.
“The important institution must live up to its constitutional mandate of protecting the people and keeping the peace. Encounters with law enforcement agents should not result in death, injury, or undue harassment for law-abiding citizens. That is unacceptable.”
Tinubu added, “While I send my sincere condolences to Omobolanle’s family, I urge the Inspector General of Police and other responsible authorities to ensure speedy justice in the matter and demonstrate even greater dedication to the nationwide implementation of measures designed to uphold professionalism within the force.”
The former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, the shooting of Bolanle stands condemned.
“The shooting of Bolanle Raheem by a police officer is heartbreaking and stands condemned. This latest shooting calls to attention the urgent need for Police reforms that will sanitize the Force and bring it in line with best policing practices.
“I call on the police authorities and the Justice system to expedite action on the matter, as justice delayed is justice denied. This will serve as a deterrent to the incidents of irresponsible shooting of innocent citizens by law enforcement agents.
“I express my deepest condolences to the family, friends and the Nigeria Bar Association, in particular its Lagos chapter. May her soul rest in peace.”
The former governor of Anambra, Peter Obi, in his condolence said, “I am shocked by the mindless killing of Mrs. Bolanle Raheem by a trigger-happy policeman on a Christmas day. Her death is a huge loss to her immediate and extended family. Like I’ve always said, a well-trained and professional police officer will not engage in police brutality.
“Her killing, Peter Obi said, “and the loss of many innocent lives across the nation to trigger-happy policemen, is the reason why I will embark on immediate and intrusive security sector reform and governance (SSRG). Relatedly, we must improve the functioning and effectiveness of the police by strengthening their civilian oversight as well as increasing their strength, materiel, financial allocation, and enhanced professional training. Our national policing strength must be relative to our national population and meet global standards.”
“We must not allow the waste of human lives in Nigeria under any guise. May the soul of Late Mrs. Bolanle Raheem rest in perfect peace. My sincere condolence to her family,” he added.
