The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Adekunle Odude, yesterday in his office at the command  Headquaters, Eleyele Ibadan told CEOAfrica in an exclusive interview that the police do not need any directives to do their job as regards apprehending any propagator of  "Hate Speech';;;;;';;;;;.

 The CP said this in response to an enquiry on if there had been any directives to kick off the clampdown of  high profile individuals who use the social media as a medium to promote hate speech in the country.

The Police boss explained that it is their duty to give maximum security to all citizens at all levels so they don’t have to get directives from any source to execute defaulters if caught exhibiting threat in that regards.

According to Mr Abiodun, a “Hate Speech” is such that threatens the society, brings discomfort, put people in fear and that can mobilize people to go against the law and order  of the  Federal Republic of Nigeria. He pointed out that it is imbedded in the law that hate speeches are wrong, however the government is laying more emphasis on it as a result of the forthcoming 2019 election to discourage any party or individuals who are thinking of causing chaos.

Herdsmen/ Farmers Meeting with CP Oyo State

He further described the meeting he had with Fulani representatives, farmers in Oyo State and traditional rulers as proactive policing. He noted that different people were engaged to foster a common ground that can tame any form of perceived misunderstanding in the State. According to the Commissioner of Police, resolutions were reached by all parties present at the meeting and one of such resolutions is the prohibition of night grazing by Fulani herdsmen.

“We sat down together and we looked at what areas are bringing conflict and how we can solve them and we agreed. One OF which is  they said there shouldn';;;;t be night grazing and juveniles who don';;;;t know anything should not be used for grazing and people should not use arms in any kinds for grazing.”

The Oyo State Police boss further revealed that a directive has been passed to Divisional Police Officers across the state to also meet with Fulani herdsmen and farmers in their localities in order to forestall any breakdown of law and order. He assured people of the state that the Police in Oyo State will do everything possible to avert clash between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.

Mr. Abiodun Odude used the medium to   assured the people of Oyo state of their safety, charging them to go about their businesses as the Police are fully on ground to deal with any miscreant posing threat to the peace and tranquility enjoyed in the state and they should see police as their friend and partners in progress.

Watch the video below:

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