The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has succumbed to mounting pressure and issued orders for the redeployment of the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Tolani Alausa.
There have been persistent protests in Yenagoa, the state capital, demanding the removal of CP Alausa due to alleged partiality during the lead-up to the recent election.
According to a senior police source, CP Alausa was accused of orchestrating a stakeholder meeting in conjunction with a political party in the state and attempting to entice the IGP to attend. Additionally, he was alleged to have authorized the use of tear gas on protesting women in the days leading up to the election.
In response, a new Commissioner of Police, CP Alonyenu Francis Idu, has been deployed to assume command of the Bayelsa State Police force.
A statement released on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Asinim Butswat, announced, “The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that a new Commissioner of Police has been posted to the State. He is CP Alonyenu Francis Idu.
“The CP has officially assumed duty as the 37th Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, having taken over from CP Tolani H. Alausa psc, who has been redeployed to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
“The CP hails from Benue State and was appointed to the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 as cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. He is a seasoned Police Officer with vast experience in Operations, such as Police Mobile Force, insurgency and Banditry operations, investigation in counter-terrorism, Fraud and other money laundering-related crimes.
“The CP solicits for the Cooperation of the good people of Bayelsa state. He also reassures that the Police Command, under his watch, will ensure the protection of lives and property, guarantee public safety and sustain social harmony.”
