The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar will be in Rivers State today, on a one-day official visit to the State Police Command .
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Angela Agabe, who disclosed this to journalists at the police command headquarter in Port Harcourt, yesterday, however, did not give comprehensive details and the purpose of the visit of the IGP to the state.
But The Tide learnt that the visit of the police chief may not be unconnected to the political crisis rocking the state as well as the strained working relationship between the state Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi and the embattled state Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu.
The state chief executive, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi The Tide learnt, had petitioned the President Goodluck Jonathan and the IGP on the precarious security situation in the state, which according to him was orchestrated by the unprofessional conduct of the state Commissioner of Police, and called for Mr Mbu’s redeployment from the state.
Sequel to this development, the Inspector-General of Police, Abubakar set up a panel of investigation headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of operation, Philemon Leha to probe the impasse.
The committee has since swung into action with its visit to the state last week.
Also the Minister of Police Affairs, Retired Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade last Sunday in Abuja confirmed that the federal government had received the petition from the governor Amaechi against the state Commissioner of Police, Mbu.
The minister said that the Federal Government was already investigating the matter.
Olubolade said that the petition was weighty and is being given adequate attention, adding that the state Commissioner of Police would be given an opportunity to defend himself before any disciplinary action would be taken against him.
The Minister said the force had no room for erring and undisciplined policemen and officers, saying they were expected to be alive to their responsibilities and stay away from partisan politicis.
Source: The Tide News Online
