Pursuant to the ongoing “ENDSARS/ENDPOLICEBRUTALITY” protest across the nation, Governor of Imo State, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodinma visited the State Police Command Headquarters to check the level of compliance as regards the dissolution/disbandment of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
On hand to receive the Governor was the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Isaac O. Akinmoyede, the Deputy Commissioner of Police Department of Operations, DCP Rabiu Hussaini, the Deputy Commissioner of Police incharge of Criminal Investigation Department DCP Musa Baba and the Deputy Commissioner of Police incharge of Finance and Admin, DCP Kenneth Akubue.
The Commissioner of Police welcomed the Governor to the State Police Headquarters which he said was remarkable and timely owing to the recent developments in the State and Nigeria at large.
The Governor informed the Commissioner of Police and his management team that the essence of the visit was to find out if the command has complied with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu by dissolving the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), and also to brainstorm on all other issues relating to the security of lives and properties in the State including the welfare of the officers and men of the command.
Reports from the Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) SP Orlando Ikeokwu said the Governor further directed the Commissioner of Police to allow and condone the protesters in the state, as it is the right of all the citizens to protest against genuine grievances as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Commissioner of Police while responding, informed the Governor that the command had complied totally with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, as SARS in Imo State has been dissolved and all suspects meant to be released has been released while those involved in serious robbery/kidnapping incidents has been transferred to other units for continuation/conclusion of investigation.
He also informed the Governor that the command is partnering with the Force Headquarters Abuja to rehabilitate and re-orientate the members of the defunct SARS before they can be posted for any operational duties.
He further informed the Governor that the command is working in tandem with the directive of the IGP to allow and condone such protests provided they are peaceful, as such no form of force shall be used on the protesters in the state.
Finally, the Commissioner of Police took the Governor and his entourage to the office of the defunct SARS for “on the spot assessment”. This is to provide the Governor the opportunity to see for himself that SARS has actually been disbanded. To this end, no suspect nor Police officer(s) were seen around the SARS office. The Governor then used the opportunity to visit some Police facilities in the command including the dilapidated shell camp Police camp Police Barrack and Chukwuma Nwaoha Officers Barracks, He then pledged the state Governments unalloyed and unflinching support to the Police Command especially as regards to renovation of barracks, which he promised to take up immediately.
The Governor was accompanied by the Chief Judge of Imo State, Her Lordship, Justice Ijeoma Aguguo, the Attorney General of Imo State, Bar. C. O. C. Akaolisa Esq., the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Cosmas Iwu, Chief of staff, Chief Nnamdi Anyachie among others.