The Osun State Chapter of the National Youths Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN) has defended its recent call for the immediate redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Gotan, describing criticisms from a group known as the Integrity Group, Osun State, as politically motivated and lacking constitutional understanding.
In a statement jointly signed by the Speaker of NYAN Osun State Chapter, Rt. Hon. David Ojewale D'Senator; Deputy Speaker, Hon. Akinyemi John Ayobami; and Clerk, Amb. Ogundare Foluke Rebecca, the youth body insisted that its position was informed by concerns over security challenges in the state rather than partisan interests.
The statement was issued in response to an earlier reaction by the Integrity Group, which reportedly criticized NYAN's demand for the redeployment of the police commissioner.
According to NYAN, the organization is a nationally recognized youth institution established to promote good governance, youth development, accountability, and democratic values across Nigeria.
The group argued that concerns over the performance of the state's police command are legitimate, citing incidents of political violence, attacks on residents, destruction of property, and what it described as inadequate progress in identifying and prosecuting perpetrators of criminal acts.
NYAN maintained that the Nigeria Police Force has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, prevent and detect crimes, and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
The youth assembly further criticized attempts to place sole responsibility for security challenges on Governor Ademola Adeleke, arguing that under Nigeria's constitutional framework, state governors do not exercise direct operational control over the police.
While acknowledging that governors are often referred to as Chief Security Officers of their states, the group noted that the Nigeria Police Force remains under federal control and reports through the Inspector-General of Police.
"Any serious discussion about policing and law enforcement must acknowledge this constitutional reality," the statement noted.
NYAN stressed that its demand for the redeployment of CP Gotan was not unprecedented, noting that redeployments of senior police officers are routine administrative measures sometimes adopted to improve security management, restore public confidence, or introduce fresh operational strategies.
The group said its position was motivated by concerns for the safety of residents and the need for effective policing, insisting that public officials and institutions should remain accountable to citizens.
It also urged stakeholders to focus on supporting efforts aimed at improving security and ensuring justice for victims of violence across the state.
Reaffirming its stance, NYAN said it remains committed to advocating for what it described as effective policing and the restoration of public confidence in the security apparatus in Osun State.
The statement concluded with a renewed call for the immediate redeployment of CP Ibrahim Gotan, arguing that such a move would serve the broader interest of public safety and security in the state.
