2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Accordingly, the CSO was officially
queried for discreditable conduct, insubordination, engaging in partisan
political activities, illegal duty and act unbecoming of a public officer.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
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