Nelson Chidiebere, Port Harcourt
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,(NSCDC) Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi has charged the officers and men of Rivers State Command to remain courageous in the fight against vandalism of oil pipelines and illegal dealings in petroleum products.
Audi gave the charge yesterday, while on a working visit to the Command as well as to condole with the families of the four Officers who lost their lives while on official duty at Alakiri, Degema local government area of Rivers state a few days ago.
” Let me first of all condole with you as a Command and the families of our gallant men who lost their lives some few days ago while on official duty.
“This is part of the hazards of the job and we pray that God would grant the families the fortitude to hear the loss. I bring to you the message of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who has asked me to tell you that the blood of these gallant men will not be a waste. All hands are on deck as the Corps would contact their next of kin to process necessary benefits in order to serve as a succour to the families.
“I will not reveal to the public our operational strategies in order to bring the perpetrators to book but definitely we are in collaboration with Sister Security Agencies and I assure you that Justice will be served,” he said while addressing the officers.
Audi also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unflinching support in enhancing the capacity and operational efficiency of the NSCDC through the provision of gunboats and different welfare packages.
He noted that the appointment of the present Minister of Interior is a tremendous blessing to the Corps because the Interior Minister is a man who has great passion for the Four (4) Agencies under his watch most especially as he has come to deliver and impact positively in consonance with the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr President.
The Commandant General, however, charged all Personnel to continue to put in their best with utmost loyalty, dedication and discipline even as they serve the nation.
While reacting to the numerous challenges faced by the Corps, Audi reaffirms the commitment of his administration to overcoming those challenges, pointing out that though they were inherited the Corps has made a headway by clearing all the backlogs of promotion and arrears paid.
He outlined the outstanding achievements made upon his assumption of office which brought in place the approval and introduction of Career Progression Development Courses and the establishment of the NSCDC Command and Staff College in Jos. He said henceforth, the Promotion of officers to a new rank would be based on merit and performance stating that promotion stagnation is now a thing of the past.
He also charged the recruits with training to remain focused, fit and agile as he has remained undeterred and dedicated to his duties having served the Corps for 27 years. He said the success of an officer lies in diligent service, commitment and loyalty however the Corps has upscaled its disciplinary system by the introduction of Standard Operating Procedures and a Code of conduct to check, correct and punish erring officers even as those found guilty had earlier been shown the way out through summary dismissal while some were either demoted or sanctioned.
