The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Finihan Adeoye has been removed in very controversial circumstances.
Mr. Adeoye, who replaced Mr. Chris Ezike about three weeks ago, and was saddled with the responsibility of coordinating the security arrangement for the 2016 Edo State governorship election, which holds on September 28, is said to have been removed over his disagreement with the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole on the use of police personnel, before and on the day of election.
It is gathered that the governor had taken offence that the commissioner was not in support of the recent indiscriminate arrests and detention of members of the opposition PDP which is said to have been ordered by the governor as part of the plan to manipulate the election in favour of the ruling APC. It said that the commissioner’s objection to this line of action by the men under his command had drastically reduced the planned onslaught on the members of the PDP, and made the release of those arrested, prompt and relatively easy.
Mr. Finihan Adeoye, sources say had proven difficult about deploying policemen on eve of the election and on the day of election in a manner that would affect the conduct and outcome of the election against the popular will.
The disposition of the commissioner is said to have made the governor uncomfortable. This had made him to appeal to higher quarters from where the order for the removal of Mr. Adeoye was given. A replacement has not been made.
