SOUTHSouthsouth Youth Initiative (SSYL) has urged Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to sustain the battle against oil theft.
SSYL President, Saviour Oscar Imeabe, said NSCDC under Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, deserved commendation for success recorded.
Imeabe said the agency had helped to eliminate the soot disturbing Rivers and other Niger Delta states.
He added from its findings, a backlog of over N300 million to families of deceased and injured officers of the corps have been paid.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Imeabe observed NSCDC had demonstrated zero tolerance to corruption; shown respect for rule of law and operated within the Act establishing it.
He said: “We have carried out investigations on the CG and his activities as commandant-general of NSCDC, and as a responsible organisation that deals with facts and not rumours, we can state CG Audi needs to be commended.
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“We are proud that with men like CG Audi the nation is on the part of getting it right in security. CG Audi should be given more opportunities in public offices …”
He said youths decided to commend him to motivate other heads of security under President Bola Tinubu to observe the rules of conduct.
Imeabe said: “Before now, people lobby for a promotion, but the CG eliminated this and has maintained that only officers and men who stand on merit are promoted or posted.
“He eliminated nepotism, tribalism and favouritism in posting of personnel to Southsouth, especially, Rivers State command. The CG has ensured respect for federal character in appointment and posting of state commandants. This was not given attention by his predecessors, but he has ensured all parts of the nation are given equal attention.”
Imeabe urged Audi to continue to drive his men in the battle against oil theft, especially in Southsouth and Southeast.
He said: “We recall that under Audi, 34 rifles were recovered from criminals in Imo State in December 2021.
“He ensured regular promotion of personnel based on federal character. He worked for establishment of training schools, among others.
“As a responsible organisation, whose interest is on good governance, accountability, transparency and equity, we reward and commend excellent commitment to service by public office holders…”
“In the same vein, we condemn public officeholders who misappropriate the powers given to them for their selfish gain.
“We thank President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for approving all necessary entitlements required for the smooth running of the NSCDC.”