The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has debunked reports in the media that the Inspector General of Police is meddling in the upcoming Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT election.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, SP Josephine Adeh, in a press statement in Abuja, said: “The FCT Police Command wishes to address allegations circulating on social media suggesting that the Inspector General of Police is meddling in the upcoming Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT 2024 elections. These claims are false, and the Command is issuing this clarification to set the record straight.
“On November 25, 2024, a formal petition was submitted to the FCT Commissioner of Police by three individuals: Mr. Emeka Nze, Mr. Victorson Agbenson, and Mr. Johnchuks Onuanyim. The petition accused Miss Grace Ike, Miss Edeh Sandra Ogechukwu, Mr. Yahaya Ndambabo, and Mr. Jide Oyekunle Adeyemi of forging Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) certificates purportedly issued by the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Abuja.
“This petition highlighted specific discrepancies in the certificates presented by the accused individuals. The Command stresses that its involvement is strictly limited to investigating the allegations of forgery received via the written petition and has nothing to do with the NUJ elections in the FCT.
“As part of the investigation, the Command invited the individuals named in the petition for questioning to verify the allegations. This action is in line with its duty to uphold the rule of law, maintain order, and safeguard democratic processes.”
She maintained that, “The Nigerian Police has no interest in or influence over the NUJ elections or their outcomes. Our responsibility is to ensure justice by thoroughly examining the claims based on the facts and evidence provided.
“We urge all parties involved to respect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and refrain from spreading baseless accusations that could erode public trust. In due time, the outcome of the investigation will be made known to enhance transparency.
“The NPF, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, remains a professional and impartial institution committed to its responsibilities.
“For further inquiries or updates regarding this investigation, the public may contact the FCT Police Command’s Public Relations Officer at 07038979348.”