By Kamil Opeyemi
The Commandant General (CG), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi, has ordered the immediate removal of Rivers Commandant of the corps, Mr Michael Ogar.
This is contained in a statement by NSCDC Director Public Relations, Mr Olusola Odumosu on Thursday in Abuja.
The removal of the commandant followed the blockade of the NSCDC Command office in Rivers by members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) on Wednesday.
The blockade followed the impoundment of three oil trucks belonging to members of the union by NSCDC personnel.
Odumosu said that the NSCDC CG had ordered Ogar to hand over to his deputy pending the deployment of a substantive State Commandant.
He added that a high-powered panel, headed by Deputy Commandant General Operations, Dauda Mungadi, has been constituted to investigate the matter.
The spokesman added that the panel was directed to objectively investigate the role played by Ogar and personnel of the command Anti-vandal team in the situation that led to 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 in accordance with the provisions of the law,” Audi said.
He assured the public of unbiased investigation, and appealed to all interested stakeholders to await the outcome of the investigation.
Audi however expressed shock at the action of NUPENG which painted a surprising scenario and unwarranted contradiction to the ideals of the corps.
“Nigerians are fully aware that we are the lead agency in 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.
The CG said the NSCDC will continue to sanitise the oil sector by waging relentless war against oil thieves and illegal oil bunkerers sabotaging the nation’s economy.
He enjoined all critical stakeholders to continue supporting the corps with credible information that will help in tackling nefarious activities in the sector.