The Media Rights Advocacy Centre (MRAC) has dismissed Sahara Reporters publication against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The group in a statement by its spokesperson, Dr. Yomi Ajilore, described the publication as reckless and baseless.
It said: “In its latest fabrication Sahara Reporters falsely alleged that the IGP awarded a N6 billion contract for police uniforms—split into 66 parts, to a supposedly inactive firm lacking the appropriate Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and tax records.
“Ordinarily, such publication, bereft of facts, journalistic ethics, and professional responsibility, would not have merited a response.
“However, we find it necessary to set the record straight, for the benefit of unsuspecting members of the public who may be misled by this calculated propaganda.
“It is important to state unequivocally that this story is false in its entirety and is simply the latest in a long-running, well-funded campaign of calumny the platform has persistently waged against IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
“This pattern of targeted media attacks reveals nothing short of an orchestrated attempt to undermine a patriotic and reform-minded officer who has served the Nigeria Police Force with unparalleled integrity, both locally and internationally.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the company falsely maligned by Sahara Reporters Crown Natures Nigeria Plc, is a fully registered Nigerian business entity with a verifiable and reputable track record.
“Incorporated in March 2006 and commencing operations in October of the same year, Crown Natures Nigeria Plc has, for nearly two decades, been engaged in the legitimate manufacturing of textiles and garments, including security uniforms, PPEs, T-shirts, school uniforms, medical scrubs, and mosquito nets.
“The company operates a state-of-the-art facility within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, and has handled contracts for both private clients and government agencies long before IGP Egbetokun’s appointment as Inspector General of Police.
“To allege that IGP Egbetokun manipulated the contract award process to favor a non-compliant company is not only false but grossly defamatory.
*There exists a clearly established and transparent due process for contract awards in the Nigeria Police Force, which the Sahara Reporters publication chose to ignore in its rush to malign the IGP.
“Verified records from relevant regulatory bodies, including the BPP and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), confirm the full compliance of Crown Natures Nigeria Plc with all statutory requirements.
“We wish to alert the public that this latest attack is part of an insidious effort to forcefully remove IGP Egbetokun from office by weaponizing misinformation and public sentiment.
“More disturbing is the inclusion of a private entity in this media war, a business that has had no prior controversy, dragged unjustly into the mud for the sole purpose of discrediting a public servant.
“The Media Rights Advocacy Centre unequivocally condemns this act of blackmail and character assassination, and we urge Nigerians to be vigilant and discerning in consuming content from platforms that have repeatedly sacrificed truth at the altar of personal vendetta and political bitterness.
“We equally call on the Inspector General of Police not to be distracted by these desperate tactics. Nigerians recognize and appreciate the transformation and professionalism he has brought to policing in our nation.
“We remain committed to defending the truth, upholding media integrity, and standing against the weaponization of the press for selfish, destructive ends.”