Delight Chinedum

A human Rights Activist, Mr Osita Obi has called for urgent retirement of immediate past Anambra state Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam over escape of suspected murderers of House of Assembly Member, Hon Justice Azuka.

Obi also demanded probe of the former CP’s stewardship and should not be rewarded for his incompetence.

Addressing reporters on Friday, the fiery activist described the state Police Command as extremely corrupt, calling for total overhaul of the command.

He also called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to weed out the top government officials who allegedly connived with the police in the escape of the suspects.

He said, “I want to express my displeasure over escape of the two principal actors in the kidnap and murder of lawmaker representing Onitsha 1 constituency.

“This amounts to dog eating what is hanged on its neck. Anambra people are not going to tolerate it. We’re demanding account from the police command.

“We’re asking the police service commission and IG to bring back the former CP to account for this. We’re demanding his immediate retirement. He should be made to bear the consequences for the havoc and to render account of his stewardship.

“Recall I raised this issue 3 months ago demanding for his transfer from the state because insecurity escalated under his watch. I personally went to him to inform him of the good work his predecessor, Adeoye did, leaving a big shoe in the state.

“He became furious and asked me which shoe. When he calmed down, I demanded for his number which I used to communicate with him later. The man has done a great havoc to the command. The command under his watch is extremely corrupt. The man must pay the price. He kept us where we are today.

“By my investigation, I understand that the murder of the lawmaker and escape of the suspects were supervised under him.

“He refused to debrief the present CP who came to know about it only on the 18th. Why didn’t he brief him? Is it not a calculated attempt to give room for the escape. Why were the suspects not in hardcuffs and allowed to drive while the two officers sat at the back?

“We demand that these suspects should be rearrested and CP Itam must be probed and retired forthwith. He should not be rewarded for his incompetence and crime against the state. He shouldn’t go to the Force Headquarters to continue.

“I’m also asking the governor to weed out the corrupt government officials involved in the mess so they don’t sabotage his good works. Ket him not be worried about the development but give the new CP opportunity to

“I should also warn that this is not the opportunity to praise the new CP. I even learnt that some people have gone to present award to him. A man that’s few weeks in office? We’re encouraging him to reject such award.

“We’re going to monitor him and evaluate his performance. It’s too early to accuse or criticize him. So far, his body movement shows he’s doing well. Let’s give him the necessary support he needs.”