The Nigeria Police Force have observed the innuendos, distortion of
facts and wild allegations peddled in the mass media following the redeployment
of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor of Rivers State, DSP
Promise Nwosu, as a result of gross professional misconduct.
It will be recalled that on 17th November, 2016 during
peaceful demonstrations of an opposition party in the state, All Progressive
Congress (APC), the Chief Security Officer to the governor, DSP Promise Nwosu
was found among the protesting party faithfuls in a manner prejudicial to
discipline and displaying conduct unexpected of an officer of his calibre and
office.
In the course of monitoring the public protest, an Assistant
Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Rivers State observed the
presence of the CSO among the protesting partisan crowd as illegal, unlawful
and outside prescribed schedule of the duties of a CSO.
The active presence of the CSO to the governor in a partisan crowd of an
opposition party to the governor in a clandestine and suspicious manner was
considered mischievous and detrimental to the security of the state and public
order and also contrary to his oath of office which constitute an offence
against discipline.
The CSO to the governor, when challenged by a superior officer
demonstrated brazen indiscipline and showed disrespect to the senior officer,
exhibiting conduct that violates all known norms of the force.
Accordingly, the CSO was officially queried for discreditable conduct,
insubordination, engaging in partisan political activities, illegal duty and
act unbecoming of a public officer.
As a result of such gross misconduct and apparent partisanship, the IGP
ordered the redeployment of the CSO pending further disciplinary action. To
this end, the IGP has also constituted an investigative inquiry into the
officer’s open engagement in political activities, disrespect to senior
officers and unethical practices.
It is absolutely imperative the Police and police officers are insulated
from partisan politics. The IGP therefore warn all police officers in any
capacity to desist from acts that portray the force in a bad light and question
the integrity of the personnel.
In addition, any police officer, especially CSOs, Aides-de-Camp (ADCs),
and orderlies attached to political officer holders or senior government
officials who engages in activities outside the official schedule will be
removed and made to face severe disciplinary action.
It instructive to maintain that the redeployment of the CSO to Governor
Wike must not be misconstrued or misinterpreted as it is widely reported in the
media. The Police Force must not be drawn to direct partisan politics and acts
that are inimical to peace and public order.
The Governor as Chief Security Officer of the state is at liberty to
select any officer of his choice from the strength of the command to serve as
his CSO but under no circumstance should any officer abandon the security of
his principal and legitimate duties to engage in direct partisan politics or
conversely should any political office holder use police officers attached to them
for political machinations.
Tags
Politics