NSCDC AFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING CRITICAL FACILITIES, EXPRESSES REGRETS OVER PURPORTED HARASSMENT OF PHED STAFF IN PORT-HARCOURT
By People’s Voice Nigeria | News
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reiterated its commitment towards the protection of all critical assets and infrastructure, such as oil pipelines, telecommunications equipment, electrical power installations, railways, roads, and schools, among others.
NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR
In a press statement e-signed and released to newsmen by CC Olusola Odumosu, the Director of Public Relations, NSCDC National Headquarters, Abuja, said: “The Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, affirmed this while reacting to reports about some officers and men of the Rivers State Command allegedly involved in harassment and molestation of some members of staff of the Port Harcourt Electrical Distribution Company (PHED) at Rumuola in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He stated that the core mandate of leading in critical infrastructure protection entailed the responsibility of safeguarding public utilities and keeping the citizens safe at all times.
He expressed displeasure over the incident and ordered a full-scale investigation by PHED to determine the truth or otherwise of the complaint, with a view to appropriating the right disciplinary actions if the officers are culpable.
Commandant, Michael Besong Ogar, NSCDC Commandant, Rivers State.
The State Commandant, Michael Besong Ogar, on his part, stated that as a stakeholder and provider of essential services in Rivers State, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) remains an important partner, 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.
He expresses regret over the action of his men and promises to get to the root of the matter, reiterating the Command’s commitment to continue working in synergy and harmony with all critical stakeholders in the state for the good of all.
“The officers were sent to PHED for an inquiry into the unusual power outage experienced by the Command for days, not to intimidate or assault anyone.
“From the report at my disposal, there must have been a misunderstanding between the two parties, which may not have been properly handled.
“However, a committee had been set up to unravel what transpired, and in due course, we will deal with the situation appropriately,” the commandant said.
He frowns at the act of infringement and infraction on the fundamental human rights of innocent workers of the company, warning officers and men of the Command to desist from any public misconduct by applying the golden rule of the Corps, which is “Humility and Integrity in Service Delivery,” in the discharge of their duties at all times.
