Chidi Samuel
The Nigeria police on Friday announced the dismissal of six officers over alleged misconduct and misuse of fire arms during the rerun election in Rivers state in December last year. The six officers, an Inspector and five sergeants were attached to the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
The sacked officers were alleged to have stormed the Port Harcourt City Council Secretariat and prevented the movement of election results of Emouha polling unit to the appropriate collation centre designated by the Independent National Electoral Commission in disobedience to senior officers present.
The affected operatives are ex-Inspct. Eyong Victor, ex-Sgts. Peter Ekpo, Oguni Goodluck, Orji Nwoke, Okpe Ezekiel and Tanko Akor.
Their actions were said to be contrary to the provisions of Force Order 237.
Parading the affected officers before newsmen on Friday, Awunah said, “These aforementioned police personnel while in the convoy of the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike on the date of election on December 10, 2016 misused the firearms in their possession contrary to the provisions of Force Order 237.
“The personnel became overzealous, took laws into their hands and opened fire, causing panic in the crowd.
“They joined in storming the Port Harcourt City Council Secretariat and prevented the movement of election results of Emouha polling unit to the appropriate collation centre designated by INEC, in flagrant disregard and disobedience to senior police officers present at the venue.”
He informed journalists that dismissed officers, after the conclusion of investigation into the public mischief, were subjected to internal disciplinary measures, found guilty and consequently dismissed from the Force.
According to him, “They will be prosecuted under the Electoral Act to serve as a deterrent to others,” noting that the personnel’s misconduct, if not checked could be inimical to discipline and proper administration of the Force.
“Their actions are capable of bringing the entire Nigeria Police Force to disrepute and portray the Force in a very bad light as a lawless organization not guided by the rule of law.”