Dr. Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has issued a directive for the immediate dismissal of Mr. Michael Ogar, the Rivers Commandant of the corps.
The decision was communicated through a statement by Mr. Olusola Odumosu, the Director of Public Relations at NSCDC, on Thursday in Abuja.
According to the report from the News Agency of Nigeria, the removal of the commandant stems from the incident where members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas blocked the NSCDC Command Office in Rivers on Wednesday. This blockade was a response to the NSCDC personnel impounding three oil trucks belonging to union members.
Odumosu stated that the Commandant General of NSCDC has instructed Ogar to transfer his duties to his deputy temporarily until a permanent state commandant is appointed.
He further mentioned that a thorough investigation into the incident will be conducted by a panel led by Deputy Commandant General Operations, Dauda Mungadi.
The spokesperson clarified that the panel has been assigned the task of impartially examining the involvement of Ogar and the NSCDC anti-vandal team in the events that triggered the protest.
“I have given the committee a marching order to ascertain the role played by either of the parties”.
“Anyone found guilty would be severely dealt with by the provisions of the law,” Audi said.
He reassured the public that a fair investigation will be conducted and urged all concerned parties to await the results of the inquiry.
However, Audi expressed his astonishment at the actions of NUPENG, which presented a surprising and unwarranted contradiction to the principles upheld by the corps.
“Nigerians are fully aware that we are the lead agency in the protection of critical government assets and infrastructure.
“Therefore, under my watch, no act of indiscipline, compromise, or sabotage would be condoned from anyone within and outside the corps.
“Humility and integrity in service delivery is the watchword of the corps, as such, any breach of trust or suspected compromise by any personnel will not be treated with kid gloves,” he assured.
