NSCDC AFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING CRITICAL FACILITIES, EXPRESSES REGRET OVER PURPORTED HARRASMENT OF PHED STAFF IN PORT HARCOURT.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni OFR has expressed the Corps’ commitment to continue protecting all Critical National Assets and Infrastructures such as Oil Pipelines, Telecommunication Equipment, Electrical Power Installations, Schools and Institutions amongst others in the nation..
Reacting to information about some officers and men of the Rivers State Command who allegedly involved in the harassment and molestation of some members of staff of the Port Harcourt Electrical Distribution Company (PHED) at Rumuola in Port Harcourt, Rivers State; the CG lamented that the Power Holding Electricity Distribution Companies across the nation are critical stakeholders who should enjoyed maximum protection of the Corps personnel when the need arise.
Dr Audi expresses regret over the ugly incident and all the inconveniences that came with it, maintaining its commitment to continue working in synergy with the PHED and other critical stakeholders in the state for the good of all.
In his words, the Rivers State Commandant Michael Besong Ogar said ” It is on record that as a stakeholder and provider of essential services in society, Power Holding Electricity Distribution Companies in Rivers State remain very important partners enjoying focal attention for security coverage by the Command as evident in its deployment of men to guard their premises and facilities over the years”
From the complaints received, it is obvious there is a misunderstanding between the two parties, which may not have been properly handled. However, the Commandant General has directed that a committee of enquiry be set up to investigate the truth or otherwise of the reported incident and the appropriate disciplinary actions would be meted out on those involved in the embarrassing act in due course if they are found guilty.
The officers were only directed by the State Commandant to visit the PHED for inquiry into the unusual power outage experienced by the Command which invariably affected the real-time transmission of security reports by the Command and Control Room of the Corps during the just concluded Governorship election in Rivers State and not to intimidate or assault anyone.
The NSCDC frowns at this act of indiscipline which led to infractions on the fundamental human rights of innocent workers of the parastatal and promise to caution its officers and men against a repeat of such unpalatable incident in the future.
SIGNED:
CC OLUSOLA ODUMOSU
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
NSCDC NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS ABUJA.
