For a while now, one of the statements that has remained on the lips of Nigerians is “why is it taking so much for the Police Commissioner in Rivers States “Joseph Mbu” to be Redeployed”, While finally The Police Affairs Minister, Capt Caleb Olukolade (Rtd) and Chairman, Police Service Commission, former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro yesterday in Lagos gave reasons has not been removed.
Recall, that there have been demands from different quarters demanding the removal of CP Mbu over alleged involvement in the crisis that rocked the state House of Assembly. Addressing news men the Police Affairs minister stated that investigation into the unfortunate incident was still ongoing, and that the public should await the outcome.
He said that, though, it was not part of his function as minister to speak on the issue, investigation into the matter was ongoing. “The Chairman, Police Service Commission is in a better position to comment on it. Everything falls within his purview,” he added.
The minister further stated that the force has an internal way of dealing with an erring officer and that the public should allow the police high command to deal with the matter.
“The force has a way of dealing with an issue internally. The public should allow the force to investigate. However, I have asked the Chairman, Police Service Commission to look into the matter,” he added.
On his part, Sir Okiro revealed that Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has written officially to him about the matter. He further explained that in the letter, the governor levelled various allegations against the commissioner of police, of which is gross abuse of power
“However, the principle of fundamental human rights demands that an accused person should be given a fair hearing. “I have directed the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar to investigate the matter and once he is found wanting, he will be dealt with accordingly,” he added.
He stated further that, though the recent fracas by the assembly members was quite unfortunate, the public should allow the police to do its investigations and also wait for the outcome. Okiro, who was visibly impressed with the commissioning of the housing project, said that it was sad to note that officers, for personal reasons, would decide to abandon projects embarked upon by their predecessors
“I started the project and it was at the lintel level at the time I left, but the immediate past IGP, for one reason or the other left it. I am happy to witness its completion,” he added
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