. Seun Kuti
By Goodluck Ikiebe
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, PSC, Solomon Arase, has commended the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba for ordering the arrest of afrobeat superstar Seun Kuti.
Arase maintained that nobody, high or low, has the right to assault a policeman on official duty.
He said, “We must, as civilized people, explore established channels of complaints against alleged infractions by law enforcement officials rather than this uncouth behaviour of assaulting the country’s symbol of authority.
While he was yet to be arrested by the police on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, Seun Kuti has given reasons for an alleged assault on a police officer on duty.
Footages of a video showing Kuti arguing with a policeman standing by a van before slapping the officer after which passer- by intervened, has gone viral.
In his explanation of the incident, Kuti claimed that the officer tried to kill him and his family and apologized when he confronted him with evidence, adding that people should avail themselves of the true situation of things before drawing conclusions in obvious reference to growing criticism of his action.
Seun said, “He tried to kill me and my family. I have the proof, but I no dey chase clout. He has apologised and I have agreed not to press charges.
“Make una mind una business make the poor guy no lose him job”, Seun added.
However, Chairman of the PSC, Solomon Arase has called for prompt prosecution saying: “We look forward to prompt prosecution of Kuti to act as a deterrent to others.”
Arase praised the police officer for remaining calm during the encounter and refusing to be provoked by the action of his aggressor; a development, he said, would have been fatal.
The PSC boss noted that the incident occurred at a time when the Police Force management was dealing with officers, who harassed, intimidated or assaulted civilians.
The PSC Chairman noted that the widespread public criticism of Seun’s conduct has shown the love and respect Nigerians had for law enforcement officer.
“The Commission demands that the culprit be arraigned immediately and the police must ensure that the matter is followed to its logical conclusion to restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police.
“The demand is in recognition of the fact that the police is the lead agency in internal security.
“Its ability to maintain law and order and to protect lives and property must be held sacrosanct,” Arase concluded.
