In response to the recent statement credited to the Rivers State Government that the security details attached to the office of the Chief of staff, Govt. House Sir. Tony Okocha and Secretary to the State Government were withdrawn by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu Joseph, the Rivers Police Command has thrown more light on the issue while denying the claims.
The command in a press release made available to journalists from the office of State Police Public Relations Officer. PPRO, DSP. Ahmad K. Muhammad, said that it was one of the endless attempts to score cheap popularly and whip up public sentiments, pointing out that it was false and misleading, the statement by Tony Okocha.
He explained that the Chief of Staff is not entitled to Police orderly or guard, following the existing circular from the Police Authority, adding that the SSG is only entitled to one Police orderly.
Ahmad urged the general Public to disregard the outcry by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Tony Okocha, that policemen invaded and broke into his house and withdrawn some policemen attached to him.
The PPRO further detailed the number of policemen attached to the Governor and Government House as follows: Governors Escort, 32 policemen, Governor’s wife escort 20, Deputy Governor’s Escort, 20 policemen; Deputy Governor’s wife escort, 12, Secretary to the State Government, 5 policemen, Chief of staff, 5 policemen and Government House generally, 109 policemen.
Others include: Counter Tourism Unit (CTU), 18 policemen for day and night shifts around, Government House back gate with Ammoured Personnel Carrier No. NPF 678, swift operation squad (SOS), 18 policemen each for day and night shifts, guarding the Government House front gate attached with two vehicles No. PF 021 SOS and PF 030 SOS, Anti Bomb squad, 10 policemen and State Intelligence Bureau, 10 police operatives that were rejected and returned by His Excellency.
Muhammad, however, reiterated that the total number of policemen attached to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, stands at 287. He further affirmed the determined efforts of the police not to relent in ensuring that the life and property of not only His Excellency, but the entire good citizens of Rivers State were protected. ###
Blaise Elumezie
