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At Last, Mbu Redeployed …Rivers Stakeholder Hail Transfer
Co-ordinator of NIMASA, Eastern Zone, Mr Anthony Ogadi (middle), speaking while inspecting the two new gunboats acquired by the agency in Bonny, Rivers State, recently.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) yesterday announced the removal of the controversial Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Mbu Joseph Mbu, and his redeployment to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with immediate effect.
Some media reports had exclusively indicated on Monday that the controversial cop, who had become a key figure in the political crisis in Rivers State, was slated for removal and reposting.
He will be replaced by Johnson Tunde Ogunsakin, who until the PSC announcement, was the commissioner in charge of the Special Fraud Investigations Unit in Lagos.
The PSC also announced the redeployment of several other commissioners, all of them to take effect immediately.
A statement issued by Mr. Ferdinand Ekpe of PSC in Abuja said the announcement is with immediate effect.
Ekpe said this development followed approval by the Chairman, Police Service Commission, Sir Mike Okiro, on the recommendations of the IGP.
He quoted the Chairman of the PSC, Sir Mike Mbama Okiro, as equally admonishing the newly redeployed officers to put in their best in their various commands’ operations, so as to provide a secure environment for business and life to thrive.
It would be recalled that the Police Service Commission had approved the recommendations of the Inspector General of Police for the redeployment of 13 commissioners of police to various commands nationwide.
The officers affected include: CP Ambrose Aisabo, PAP, Lagos, who moves to Akwa Ibom State as commissioner of police; CP Felix O. Uyanya, Commandant, PCO, to Ekiti State as commissioner of police; CP Johnson Ogunsaki, CP SFU, to Rivers as commissioner of police; CP Abdulmajid Ali, CP EOD, to Imo State as commissioner of police; CP Benjamin U. Onwuka, deputy commandant, STAFFPOL, JOS as new commissioner of police, Kebbi State; CP Ibrahim Maishanu, Force Headquarters, Abuja as CP Osun State; and CP Adamu Ibrahim, DFS as new CP, Abia State.
Others are CP Aderenle Shinaba, Force Headquarters, as new CP Kano State; CP Mbu Joseph Mbu, CP Rivers State, now redeployed as Commissioner of police, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; CP Umaru U. Shehu, CP NAS as new CP Kaduna State; CP A.J. Abakasanga, CP Info-Tech as new CP Adamawa State; CP Kalafite H. Adeyemi, Force Headquarters, Abuja, now commissioner of police, Transport; CP Ibrahim Idris, Force Headquarters, Abuja, as new CP, NAS.
Similarly, the Nigerian Police Force yesterday bowed to public pressure for the removal of Joseph Mbu as the Rivers State Commissioner of Police.
According to a statement from the Police Service Commission on Thursday, Mr. Mbu has been transferred to the Federal Capital Territory Command, Abuja, while the Commissioner in charge of the Special Fraud Unit, Johnson Ogunshakin replaces him in Rivers State.
Mbu’s tenure as Rivers State Police boss was characterised by public mistrust and political mudslinging over his alleged partisanship in the handling of the political crisis in the State.
The State government, the All Progressive Congress and some major stakeholders within and outside the State had severally called for the removal of Mbu, accusing him of taking sides with the State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and for issuing unconstitutional directives.
In the midst of the political crisis in the State, the two Chambers of the National Assembly had last year thrown their weight behind public outcry, demanding Mbu’s removal from the State, to no avail. On Wednesday, the Senate particularly demanded that the Inspector-General of Police should appear before it next week Tuesday to explain the role of the police in the Rivers State crisis.
Also as parts of efforts to put an end to what it described as Police brutality of its members, the APC recently had embarked on political filibustering. Rising from a crucial meeting in Abuja two weeks ago, the APC directed its members to block the confirmation of the newly – appointed ministers and Service Chiefs, as well as the passage of the 2014 Appropriation bill.
It would be recalled that since the redeployment of Mbu to Rivers State, he had been at loggerheads with the state government, issuing unconstitutional directives without prior notification and approval of the state governor.
In the wake of the crisis that engulfed the State House of Assembly in July, last year, he was alleged to have taken sides with the six lawmakers loyal to the Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, after their failure to sack the House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Amachree. Since then, Mbu had ordered the closure of the Assembly complex.
Mbu was also alleged to have ordered the Police to prevent the State governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi from accessing the Government House through one of the entrances. The Police command under him also allegedly disrupted the issuance of appointment letters to 13,000 newly engaged teachers in the State last year, citing non-approval by the Police as excuse.
Also on January 12, this year, allegedly disrupted a rally by the Save Rivers Movement at the Rivers State College of Arts and Science, Rumuola, where Senator Magnus Abbey, representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District was allegedly shot by the Police.
However, may people have reacted to the removal of Mbu from the state. The Chairman of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, Rivers State, Mr. Princewill Enyi told our correspondent that the transfer of Mbu was over due.
According to him, once there were complaints about a public officer, the best thing to do was to redeploy such a person.
He blamed Mbu for his baised stand in the political crisis in the State, advising his successor to learn from Mbu’s mistakes.
Mr. Enyi, however, appealed to the political gladiators to give peace a chance in the state.
“Mbu has gone because he was a tenant, we landlords should put our house in order and embrace peace”, he said.
The Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Mr. John Nnamdi Anucha described the news of Mbu’s removal as a healthy development, saying the former State Commissioner was a defecto military officer who acted without the principles of the rule of law in the State.
He explained that Mbu only came to the state to puncture the relative peace in the state.
Similarly, the Secretary, Ogbo/Egbema/Ndoni (Onelga) Chapter of NYNC, Mr. Collins Ordu said Mbu’s removal from the state would end the lingering security crises in the state, adding that his removal was long expected. He called on the new state Police boss to work within the tenets of democray and see how he can move the state forward.
“Rivers people are not violent people, he should do his work professionally and get the best from the people of the state”, he stated.
Boye Salau, Amadi Akujobi, Beemene Taneh & John Bibor
The 23 For OK & P-BAT Movement, a political pressure group championing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governorship ambition of Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, has congratulated both leaders on their victories at the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
In a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Amb. Goodluck Braide, who also doubles as the President of the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Co-Operative Limited, President Tinubu’s victory at the APC presidential primaries in Rivers State was described as a reflection of his growing popularity and acceptance among Nigerians. The group noted that since assuming office in 2023, the President has implemented bold economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable growth, prosperity, and national development.
According to the group, the outcome of the primaries is an indication of what to expect in the 2027 general elections.
The group also congratulated Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda on his emergence as the APC governorship flag bearer in Rivers State, describing the primary election process as peaceful, transparent, free, and fair. It stated that Chinda’s emergence signals increasing political unity among Rivers people across ethnic and political divides.
According to the movement, the APC made a strategic and wise decision in presenting Chinda as its governorship candidate, citing his leadership experience, competence, charisma, and proven capacity as qualities that position the party for victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Amb. Goodluck Braide, National Coordinator
The statement further acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, praising his political foresight, resilience, and commitment to maintaining unity within the political structure in Rivers State while ensuring the state remains relevant in national politics.
The group equally commended the leadership of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentanwe Yilwatda, noting that under his leadership since July 2025, the party has witnessed renewed strength, unity, and political growth ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also congratulated the people of Rivers State and Nigerians generally for their continued support and confidence in the Tinubu administration, which it said has made notable progress in promoting national cohesion, social integration, and economic development.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
