By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Special Adviser on Security to the Obudu Local Government Council, Mr. Patrick ‘Spokesman’ recently accused the Divisional Police Officer in the council of collecting bribes in the name of ‘bail’.
Spokesman had on July 25, 2016 at 8:06pm in a post on his Facebook wall alleged that the police hierarchy in Obudu “colonise” the division and are extorting money from the people.
“Breaking :Obudu police division stinks with high amount for “free bail” ranging from N10,000 to N150,000 while “ugep” now colonise the division with station officer ( SO) doubling As OC surveillance and exhibit keeper doubling As PROVOST Marshall all from yakurr LGA (sic)” Spokesman wrote.
Comments on the thread supported his stance with a few objections with one Canice Uke commenting that “S A security, good radiance for your post. I was recently made to pay a bail of N70,000”.
In what was probably a reply to Spokesman’s post, the community relations officer to the governor in Obudu, Emmanuel Akwagiobe took to Facebook about 30 hours later and said the police were doing their job professionally while some council officials deliberately posting “damaging” statements about the force due to personal differences.
“The Obudu police division has demonstrated high capacity and intelligent (sic) gathering since assumption of the present Dpo. I have received some complaints which are being handled administratively by the police. Am also fully aware of some personal differences between the Dpo and some council officials interfering in his professional duties leading to some damaging post about the credibility of the police in Obudu…please be guided accordingly” Emmanuel wrote.
As at press time, both posts have been taken down by Spokesman and Emmanuel respectively.
However, Spokesman will change his tone later as on July 27 and 28, 2016 he posted photographs of what he called a “Peace talk”.
The photograph posted on July 28, 2016 at 3:35 pm read “Hon, Emmanuel Akwagiobe Undipeye CRO, the DPO Obudu Dsp Eyong Obeten Madam Lizzy Adie i/c AYADE Food bank,and CHIEF Spokesman Agogo Special adviser,peace and security matters Met to strengthen Grey areas, an extension of yesterday peace talk, hmmmmmmmm”.
Efforts to speak with the DPO proved futile as calls to his MTN line did not connect.
However, as at last check, sources in Obudu have informed CrossRiverWatch that the situation has not improved as Police officers still carry out raids at will and arrest as many as they can shooting in the air only for the arrested to be freed a few hours down the line following the payment of a “negotiable bail” which the police hierarchy in the country has consistently insisted is free.