By Patrick Obia
The Cross River State Police Command of the Nigeria Police Force, says embattled Commander of Operation Akpakwu, SP Erem, accused of financial misconduct will be investigated.
SaharaReporters had accused SP Eremi, in a report of “pocketing allowances and committing other infractions” meant for personnel.
In a press release signed and made available by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Irene Ugbo for the commissioner of police, CP Gyogon Grimah, said the Command will not let the allegation slide.
SP Irene expressed worry that the State Police Command regards the report as not only damaging and misleading but also a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly within the Cross River State Command.
The Police spokesman said CP Grimah has inaugurated an investigation panel headed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Intelligence, ACP Eugene Ubine, with the task of conducting a thorough investigation to establish the veracity of the allegations and restore the integrity of the Force.
CP Gyogon reaffirms the Command’s commitment to zero tolerance for extortion and all forms of corrupt practices, as strongly condemned by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun; as firmly upheld within the Cross River State Police Command under his leadership.
He said the Command is determined to ensure there is no hiding place for any erring and unethical police personnel.
The Command assured that the findings of the investigation will be made public upon conclusion. Warning that any officer found to have acted contrary to the Force’s regulations and extant laws will face departmental discipline accordingly.
On personnel not receiving their entitled allowances the command cleared: “Worthy of note is that all allowances due personnel attached to Operation Akpakwu paid by the State government are disbursed timely and promptly. There are no outstanding till date,” calling peddlers of unverified reports to desist.