New FCT Commissioner of Police represents the best of Nigeria's Police force

Kingsley Mba, an investigative journalist erroneously and misguidedly wrote a letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, requesting that the new Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh be moved away from Nigeria’s capital.

Igweh assumed office in early February as the 31st FCT Police Commissioner, having served in different capacities to the envy and accolades of his contemporaries and bosses within the force. He replaced Haruna Garba who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police. The allegation made by Kingsley Mba that the appointment of Igweh as FCT Police boss has left many residents bewildered and dismayed is a mere concortion designed to smear the reputation of the new FCT Police boss. The records of the new CP had been that of notable accomplishments and positive impacts within the FCT and in other states of the Federation. Reacting to the Open Letter written to the IGP by Kingsley Mba, the Chairman, Police Advisory Committee in one of the Police Divisions in Abuja and Founder, Bond of Justice Intervention Mission, Barr. Francis Urochukwu said "Most times, it is good for Journalists to always confirm their facts before publication as the open letter by Kingsley Mba can only be described as hatchet job meant to please his pay masters." Addressing a team of Journalists in Abuja, Urochukwu who is also the Legal Adviser, Association of Nigerian Authors and National Legal Adviser, Institute of Corporate and Public Administrators of Nigeria added: "Let me make it abundantly clear that before an appointment is made by the management of the top echelon of the Nigerian Police or by the IGP himself, lots of deliberations, cross examinations and investigations often take place. A Journalist cannot be where he is and begin to decide for the Police force. The track records of the new FCT Commissioner of Police speak volume as to why he was chosen for the position he presently occupies. "CP Igweh has long been participating and or leading the fight against crimes and criminality frontally and it is because of his unprecedented accomplishments that paved way for his current appointment. The reward for hard work is more work. "The only interest on the mind of the new CP of FCT is the protection of lives and property and he is determined not to fall short of the expectations of his office and the residents of Abuja, considering his wealth of experience. "From the tone and nomenclature of Kingsley Mba's letter, it has become clearer to a sound and unbiased mind, that he is doing the bidding of those who are afraid that the new CP might come after them, because of their involvement in crimes against the residents of Abuja." He said: "Journalist should not allow themselves to be used to run down reputable police officers in the category of the new CP of FCT, who has spoken in various foras that he was going to stamp out crimes within the FCT, which is his jurisdiction. "Who is afraid of CP Igweh? The Journalist should get ready because the new CP will not rest until the rate of crimes and criminality are reduced to its bearest minimum within the FCT, especially." CP Igweh was born on October 7, 1968. He hails from Akatta Oru-East Local Government Area in Imo State. He attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, where he bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Estate Management. CP Igweh was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force in 1996 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police and was trained at the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State. The records of the new CP remains unquestionable as there are countless incidences where he led a team of men and officers of the Nigerian Police to nip at the board, activities of hoodlums and criminals in various locations within and outside the FCT. "For me, the letter written by the Journalist was just a mere academic exercise, meant to massage his ego and give him, Kingsley Mba, cheap popularity that will expire immediately the sun goes down. "I want to affirm that the appointment of CP Igweh will rather embolden ethical practices within the Police, potentially encourage public safety and tackle the challenges facing the security sector in the country. "It is now abundantly clear that the enemies of the CP of FCT are now at work using a Journalist as their battle axe, to attempt to jeopardise his track records. The Letter by Kingsley Mba is a demonstration of envy and jealousy by those he is indirectly doing their bidding, considering the unexpected emergence of Igweh as tne CP of FCT. "They should know that promotion neither comes from the East, West, South or North but from the Lord and no matter the clandestine manoeuvrings of detractors of CP Igweh, his task of riding FCT of crimes and criminality is already on course as news of his accomplishments will soon hit the news wave. The position of the new CP of FCT cannot be compromised as he has put machineries in place to re-energize and refocus the FCT command towards optimal productivity. According to Urochukwu: "CP Igweh represents the best of the Nigerian Police Force, akin to former CP of Rivers State, Rtd. Mba, who used the media to project the good image of the Police in the fight against crimes and criminality. "IGP sir, are you not aware of how Journalists like Kingsley Mba, only derive pleasure in damaging the image of the Nigeria Police for their selfish interest? These categories of Journalists who for a "brown" envelope can reduce the ethics and principles of Journalism, in order to do a hatchet job for a long ranger? “It is a known fact how in his few weeks in office, he directed some Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders to ensure that criminal cartels were demobilized for the safety of the residents of Abuja. This directive has been adhered to by the officers and men of FCT as they are aware that CP Igweh was in charge of all activities in the entire FCT. "Already there is acceptability of the new CP's formula, to tackle incidences of crimes and criminality within the FCT. “In conclusion, we thank the IGP for prioritising the interests of public safety above all else. It is essential that steps are taken by the office of the IGP for the empowerment of CP Igweh, so that he can succeed against all odds."