Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
The Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has dismissed the Rivers State Commandant of the Corps, Micheal Ogar, over the blockage of the Civil Defence Headquarters in the State by members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Valuechain had earlier reported that PTD on Wednesday caused a shutdown in activities at the Rivers State Command of NSCDC in protest over the confiscation of three trucks with about 130,000 litres of petrol by the Corps.
During the protest, the tanker drivers blocked the entrance to the Headquarters of NSCDC in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with over 30 petrol tankers, thereby causing hindrance to human and vehicular movement in one of the busiest business districts of the city.
In reaction to this, the Commandant General of NSCDC constituted a high-powered investigation panel to look into the circumstances surrounding the blockage to the entrance of Rivers State Command of the NSCDC, by members of NUPENG.
The Investigation Committee, which was headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of operations, Dauda Mungadi, is mandated to objectively investigate the role played by the State Commandant and members of the command’s Anti-Vandal Team in the crisis.
The Commandant General, who ordered the removal of the Rivers State Commandant, directed him to hand over the affairs of the Command to his Deputy, pending the deployment of a substantive State Commandant.
Audi, in a statement, expressed shock at the actions taken by NUPENG, which according to him, painted a surprising scenario and an unwarranted contradiction to the ideals of the Corps. He maintained that humility and integrity in service delivery are the watchwords of the Corps, which is why any breach of trust or suspected compromise by any person will not be treated lightly.
The NSCDC Boss further expressed confidence in the ability of the committee to carry out an unbiased investigation. He also appealed to members of the public and all interested stakeholders to await the outcome of the investigation and proposed recommendations, assuring that NSCDC will continue to sanitize the oil sector by waging war against oil thieves and illegal oil bunkering activities sabotaging the nation’s economy.