Why we dismissed officers attached to Governor Wike - Police
- The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed six officers attached to Rivers state governor Nyesom Wike
- The officers, the police said, were found guilty of misconduct during the election
- The police also said the dismissed officers will be prosecuted in line with the Electoral Act
The Nigerian police has dismissed sic of its officers who were attached to Rivers state governor Nyesom Wike during the last rerun election in the state.
The officers are: AP/No.177893,ex. Inspr. Eyong Victor; F/No. 400872 ex. Sgt Peter Ekpo; F/No.374585 ex. Sgt Oguni Goodluck; F/No. 385870 ex. Sgt. Orji Nwoke; F/No. 234216 ex. Sgt. Okpe Ezekiel; F/No. 437983 ex. Sgt. Tanko Akor.
The police said the six officers were found guilty of breaching the police conduct despite warnings from the inspector general of police Ibrahim Idris.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the police spokesperson Dan Awunah said: “In the case of the recent parliamentary election in Rivers State, the IGP’s resolve to secure the process, was reciprocated with the unethical conduct of some bad eggs within the force.”
READ ALSO: Rivers rerun: Wike challenges police over death of DSP Alkali
Awunah said the officers were found guilty of escorting their principals, public office holders and politicians to polling units during the election.
They were also found guilty of firing gunshot in a crowded area on the day of the election.
“These aforementioned police personnel while in the convoy of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers state Barr. Nyesom Wike on the date of election, 10th December, 2016 misused the firearms in their possession contrary to the provisions of Force Order 237.
“The service personnel became overzealous, took laws into their hands and opened fire, causing panic in the crowd.
"They joined in storming the Port Harcourt City Council Secretariat and prevented the movement of election results of Emouha polling unit to the appropriate collation centre designated by INEC, in flagrant disregard and disobedience to senior Police officers present at the venue.
Awunah added that the six officers after the conclusion of investigation into this public mischief, were subjected to internal disciplinary measures, found guilty and subsequently dismissed from the force.
He said they will be prosecuted under the Electoral Act to serve as a deterrent to others.
READ ALSO: READ What governors now do to avoid DSS phone conversation leak
“The IGP wishes to restate the commitment of the force to carry out its constitutional obligations in accordance to the law of the land before, during and after every election in Nigeria. This will be done in a very professional manner bearing in mind the need not only to be unbiased but to be seen by members of the public as responsive and responsible security agency in election security in the country.
“Nigerians should rest assured that the IGP and indeed the entire management team of the Force will not be deterred in its resolve to rid the Nigeria Police Force of personnel who indulge in actions or inactions that amount to unprofessional and serious misconduct.
“The IGP commends all officers and men of the Force for their dedication, commitment, sacrifice, hard work and display of utmost professionalism in their service to the country despite daunting challenges. Without doubts, our sacrifices and sincerity of purpose will be commensurately rewarded," Awunah said.
Source: Legit.ng
