IG: MBU IS A PROFESSIONAL, WON’T BE REMOVED

There may be no end in sight to the political crisis in Rivers State as the Inspector General of Police (IG), Muhammad Abubakar, Thursday said the police command had no intention of redeploying the controversial state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mbu.

Abubakar, who spoke to State House correspondents after the traditional Sallah homage some Muslim dignitaries in the administration paid to President Goodluck Jonathan, insisted that Mbu is a professional officer, who has remained politically aloof and thus has not breached any rule that would warrant his redeployment.

According to the IG, “Professional police officers are supposed to do what they are supposed to do to protect lives and property and that is why we remain where we are.”

Abubakar, who also maintained that there was no cause for alarm over the crisis in Rivers State, said the police are not politicians, adding, “We cannot be brought into the politics of this country.”

He, however, admonished Mbu to be a professional police officer by providing safety and security for the good people and development of Rivers State.

Insisting that the prospects for peace in the country were promising, the IG expressed gratitude to God that the country was becoming more peaceful than ever before.

He pledged that his officers and men would continue to pray for the return of normalcy.

“I thank Nigerians for their support, for their cooperation, for their partnership in fighting crime and criminality in this country,” he said, while giving kudos to the officers and men of the Nigerian Police and other security agencies for the collaboration and partnership.

The media too was not left out. “We want to thank the media for their support in the fight against criminality,” he said.

Pointing out that while the strategy the police had adopted in tackling security challenges remained a trade secret, he said all hands are on deck as the police force collaborates and partners with other security agencies "to equally create awareness among Nigerians on the importance of playing a role in improving security.”

On the recent move to increase funding for the police by the federal government, Abubakar said it is in progress, adding, “Mr. President is very concerned. He is passionate about changing the police service and in our own transformation agenda too, you can see that the efforts we are making is ongoing and I believe it is going to be for the betterment of the officers and men.”

Source: Thisday