By Patrick Obia
The Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has described the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Cross River State chapter’s reported vote of no confidence on the State Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogo Augustine Grimah as “a misplaced allegation”.
The State NMA is said to have passed a vote of no confidence on the CP for failing to secure the release of their abducted colleague Professor Ekamen Phillip-Ephraim kidnapped last month in Calabar.
The Police in a press release signed and issued on Thursday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Irene Ugbo for the Commissioner said the Command “categorically refute and vehemently reject the recent vote of no confidence passed” on the CP as it is considered to be misguided, baseless and lacking a factual foundation.
The Command says it understands the mood which the NMA is at this point but pouring out its heart negatively against the Force is not constructive, hence, undermining the effort the Police has put in for a safe release of the victim.
CP Grimah however, implored the NMA and the general public to assist the police in fighting crime as security is everybody’s business.
The release reads in part: “The State Police Command categorically refutes and vehemently rejects the recent vote of no confidence passed by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) against the Commissioner of Police with the unfortunate incident involving Professor Ekanem’s abduction. We considered this allegation to be misguided, baseless, and lacking a factual foundation.
“The State Police Command is dedicated to upholding the safety and security of all citizens, including medical practitioners. We have tirelessly worked hand-in-hand with the NMA and other critical stakeholders to combat crime and ensure a conducive environment for all professionals to carry out their duties without fear or hindrance.
“We view the NMA as an important partner in our collective efforts to maintain law and order.
“The abduction of Professor Ekanem is deeply a distressing incident, and we assure the NMA and the public that we are sparing no effort in our investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. We understand the concerns raised by the NMA, but it is important to note that security is a collective responsibility.
“Its regrettable that the NMA has chosen to express its dissatisfaction through a vote of no confidence in the Commissioner of Police, without considering the obstreperous, complexities and challenges associated with combating crime in our society. The Commissioner of Police has been resolute in his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in the state, and his track record speaks for itself.
“We implore the NMA to reconsider its position and collaborate with the state Police Command in a more constructive manner. By joining forces, we can strengthen our collective resolve to tackle crime and uphold the safety of all residents, including medical professionals.
“The State Police Command wishes to emphasize that we remain fully committed to maintaining a transparent and accountable relationship with all stakeholders. We urge the NMA to engage with us in a productive dialogue, so that we may address their concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions to the challenges we face together.
“Investigations so far carried out on the abduction of Professor Ekanem have led to the arrest of nine suspects who are currently undergoing fruitful interrogation. We advise individuals and Associations willing to know our progress in the investigation of this case to visit or contact the CP privately as issues concerning investigation of such matters are secretive and not for public consumption until desired results are attained.
“At this juncture, we assure the public that the state Police Command will continue to discharge its responsibilities diligently and professionally, without compromising the safety and security of our citizens.”