The City Boy Movement has defended the presence of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, at the inauguration of its Lagos State chapter, insisting that the police chief’s attendance should not be interpreted as political endorsement or evidence of partisanship.
The group was responding to public criticism that followed the circulation of a viral video showing the Lagos police commissioner at the inauguration of the City Boy Movement’s Lagos State Executive Committee held in Ikeja on Tuesday.
The footage, which gained traction on social media on Wednesday, showed CP Fatai arriving at the venue, exchanging greetings with dignitaries and moving around the event alongside security personnel and other attendees.
His appearance at the gathering sparked debate online, with some Nigerians questioning whether it was appropriate for the state’s top police officer to attend an event organised by a political support group, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Reacting to the controversy, the City Boy Movement dismissed suggestions that the commissioner’s presence amounted to political endorsement.
In a statement issued by its National Director of Media Monitoring and Rapid Response, Bashir Ahmad, the organisation argued that public officials, especially those responsible for maintaining law and order, routinely attend public events as part of their official responsibilities.
According to the group, security agencies are often required to supervise or monitor gatherings, regardless of whether they are political, religious, civic, educational or professional in nature.
“The mere presence of the Commissioner of Police at a public event should not, without more, be interpreted as political endorsement, partisan participation or institutional alignment with the organisers of that event,” the statement read.
The movement stressed that the constitutional duties of the Nigeria Police Force include maintaining public order, protecting lives and property, preventing crime and ensuring security during lawful public gatherings.
It noted that these responsibilities are carried out for all individuals and organisations without discrimination and should not be viewed as an indication of political preference.
The statement further argued that it would be unfair to conclude that the Nigeria Police Force had abandoned its professional neutrality simply because the commissioner attended the event.
According to the group, public institutions should be judged based on verifiable facts rather than assumptions or speculation.
Reaffirming its position, the City Boy Movement said it respects the independence of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, adding that it neither seeks nor expects preferential treatment from any government institution.
The organisation maintained that, like every law-abiding association, it only expects its lawful activities to receive the constitutional protection guaranteed to all Nigerians.
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