The Police used teargas to disperse some women who stormed the command headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, demanding the removal of the Commissioner of Police, Tolani Alausa.
It was gathered that the women who dressed in black attire on Friday insisted on the removal of the police commissioner before the off-cycle governorship election on Saturday, citing concerns about neutrality.
However, the protesters were dispersed with tear gas when they failed to yield to persuasion to leave the facility.
The State Police Commissioner has come under criticism from various quarters for his handling of security matters in the run-up to the election. The women protesters alleged that the commissioner’s actions were politically motivated and aimed at influencing the outcome of the governorship election in favor of the candidate of the All Progress Congress.
Election monitors, including local and international observers, have strongly condemned the use of tear gas on peaceful protesters, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values and allowing citizens to express their opinions without fear of reprisal.
Human rights organizations and civil society groups have also called for an immediate investigation into the incident, urging authorities to hold accountable those responsible for the use of force against the women. They argue that such actions not only violate the right to peaceful assembly but also undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
Political tension has been escalating in the State in the lead-up to the governorship election, with various parties and candidates vying for support. The use of force against peaceful protesters adds another layer of concern as the State prepares for the crucial electoral exercise on Saturday.
The Bayelsa State Police Department has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely watching to see how authorities respond to the allegations of bias and the use of force against the women protesters.
Alausa was deployed to the State on November 7, 2023, and assumed duty as the 36th commissioner of police in the State.
