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  • Day Ekiti stood still for Ogunsakin

    Day Ekiti stood still for Ogunsakin

    •Fayose, Olanipekun, others celebrate uncommon Ex-cop

    The occasion was a thanksgiving in all ramifications. The glorious day was laced with all the trappings of class. However, the attendant emotion exposed the humanity behind the subject of the day.

    Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Ayotunde Ogunsakin, retired from the Nigerian Police Force after 34 meritorious years in service of the fatherland.

    The event began from the church, St. Peters Anglican Church, Ikere Ekiti, where Ogunsakin revelled in thanksgiving. For a top-notch security officer, many in the church were surprised at the dance steps churned out by Ogunsakin. Even the presiding clergyman, Venerable A. O. Ayodele, the Vicar and Archdeacon of Ikere-Ekiti attested to that fact, saying in all his years of interaction with the police officer, not once had he seen him laughing uncontrollably.

    According to him, the closest to a laugh he had ever seen on Ogunsakin’s cherubic face in all those years was a smile that does not even last long.

    “But today, in this church, I have seen him smile and even try to laugh,” the clergyman said.

    He, however, admonished the congregation to emulate the virtues of Ogunsakin, whom he said was able to stand tall throughout his service years in a society that has been highly compromised. “In almost 34 years in the police force, Ogunsakin has obeyed orders as a junior officer; enforced discipline as a boss; showed humility in leadership and led by example. By God’s grace, the retired AIG has battled the storm but was not consumed; has tasted fire but was not burnt to ashes; has demonstrated discipline and mercy without compromising standards; has been to the warfront and has returned alive. This is why we must thank God because he has brought honour to Ikere people and to his family,” he said.

    Projecting into the future, the Vicar noted that it would be difficult for a person of Ogunsakin’s stature to go into oblivion having been a restless, compelling but compassionate officer honed through the years in the service of the Nigeria Police Force.

    While advising Ogunsakin against dabbling in the murky waters of Nigerian brand of politics, the clergyman, on the other hand, wanted the retired AIG to use the influence he has amassed over the years to attract the best, politically and economically to Ikere-Ekiti.

    Ayodele was specific. He said: “Don’t go into politics because your hard-earned reputation will be at stake but use your powers to ensure that Ikere produces the next governor of this state.”

    The colourful reception, which was another funfair with all the trappings of high society event, had movers and shakers of the Nigerian society gracing the occasion. The guests were treated to a documentary about the celebrator, cultural dance, performances and presentations. There was no dull moment during the event.

    Governor Ayo Fayose was there with his usual bluntness, saying  his presence at the event was not out of love for Ogunsakin. The anchor of the programme drew the first blood by announcing that the reception should not be turned into a political rally; going by the number of politicians at the event.

    The lady anchor was unaware of how Fayose would react to such statement at a time the governor was making his entrance into the venue. As expected, Fayose did not allow the soft blow go off without a return blow, saying the young woman should be forgiven because she is not a politician.

    “When a governor is somewhere, or anywhere the governor is, politics is there,” he retorted. About the celebrator, he said: “I am not here because I love you. I am here because you are one of our leading lights in Ekiti. Your stepping aside from the Nigeria Police Force is not by mistake. One day, you will look back and thank God for leaving at the time you left. You will watch with your eyes why God took you away at the time He did. Your time will come. I know that it’s not easy for a uniformed officer out of office; but God will guide you. God will give you direction.

    “He will support you. On my part, when I retire, I’m not going to the Senate like other governors. I will remain here in Ekiti. I’m not running to America. This is where I will remain.”

    Several guests had a word or two about the retired AIG.

    Former Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye said  Ogunsakin’s service to the nation was exceptional. Though Adeyeye regretted that Ogunsakin’s efforts were not crowned with appointment as Inspector-General of Police, he was, however, thankful to God, saying “we thank God for his distinguished career in the force”.

    In his goodwill message, Chief Wole Olanipekun described Ogunsakin as a very loving, charismatic, amiable, handsome, brilliant, resourceful, thoughtful and irresistible personality and gentleman.

    Olanipekun said though they were cousins, the relationship does not explain the reason for their very close ties; “because two persons might be related by blood to another, without both of them being close in the real sense of it”.

    Captain of industry, Oba Otudeko described the retired AIG as an exemplary cop, whose brilliance, dexterity and comprehensive knowledge of law enforcement were vividly demonstrated across the many important positions he held throughout his career.

    “From his days as a young officer in Ibadan, AIG Ogunsakin (retired) exhibited courage, agility and devotion to duty; and it was not a surprise that he was soon attracted to the elite Interpol Unit of the Nigeria Police Force,” Otudeko said.

    On his part, former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), M. D. Yusuf praised his former sub-ordinate, saying it was a well-deserved retirement.

    “I praise you for your years of service and achievements.  Few have worked as hard as you had. I hope you enjoy directing your energies into your other special interests,” he said.

    Col. O.O. Keshinro (rtd) said: “You weathered the storms and berthed safely after many years of dedicated service culminating in the rank of an AIG.  Congratulations. The popular accolade ‘An officer and a gentleman’ fits you perfectly “.

    Martin Nwogoh, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), who described Ogunsakin as ‘my boss’, said: “I have never seen him shout or demonstrate anger on any officer or abuse and intimidate subordinates. Instead of abusing and insulting officers when they made mistakes which is not uncommon in the job, leaving the officer demoralised and feeling deficient, AIG Ogunsakin will rather draw defaulters near, show them superior logic why they should not act the way they did; telling them the right thing to do, thus leaving the officer more fulfilled, informed, confident and desirous to act more acceptably.”

    Responding, Ogunsakin, who described his wife as his greatest inspiration and a pillar of strength that kept encouraging him to do the right thing, could not help but express a mild disappointment that, all over the world, people show some form of dislike for policemen.

    “But you can’t do without policemen. In accepting to be a policeman, it means you have accepted to die. This is because, as in other forces, policemen stay awake while others sleep. That means, what you sign for is actually a duty to die for others to live. You sacrifice your own life so that others can live. The society must recognise that we have chosen to die in service to the nation,” he said.

    For an officer who was saddled with the responsibility of unravelling some tough cases involving powerful personalities in the business and political terrain in Nigeria, the import of Ogunsakin’s statement is not lost to those who had gathered to felicitate with him for not only weathering the storm but also having the opportunity to come out with unblemished record.

    Maybe it is for that reason that the celebration stretched into the night in the honour of a retired officer who remains unwavering in his pursuit of justice as he has taken up a new challenge in security and information management.

  • How rulers, security agents can tackle insecurity in Northeast, by Ogunsakin

    How rulers, security agents can tackle insecurity in Northeast, by Ogunsakin

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in charge of Zone 12, Tunde Ogunsakin, has said improved collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions can help in tackling security challenges in the Northeast.

    Ogunsakin spoke during a visit to the palace of the Emir of Fika, Muhammadu Ibin Abali Muhammadu Idrissa. The visit was part of his familiarisation tour of the Zone 12 Command of the Nigeria Police, comprising Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states.

    The AIG, who recently resumed in Zone 12, said there was a strong need to foster closer ties between the joint security agencies and the traditional institution in the Northeast.

    The AIG said the collaboration would engender a more people-oriented security effort.

    He hailed the emir for the guidance and support he demonstrated.

    Ogunsakin also expressed the readiness of men and officers of the police in the zone to tackle terrorism, communal clashes and other vices.

    The emir  thanked Ogunsakin for the visit and hailed him for writing him when he resumed.

    Idrissa, who is the chancellor of University of Ilorin, also expressed his readiness to partner security agencies to stamp out insurgency.

     

  • Community policing the way to go, says Ogunsakin

    The outgoing Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in zone 6, Calabar , Tunde Ogunsakin, has called for community policing.

    AIG Ogunsakin spoke after he visited the Vice Chancellor of the  University of Calabar, Prof  James Ekpoke at the weekend.

    He said the  visit is to strenghten the relationship between the police and the  university community, adding that  community policing was the way to go. Ogunsakin said  police would always work with the university to ensure peace.

    Ekpoke  said the school has enjoyed a smooth  relationship with the  police.

    “Our relationship with command and  AIG’s office is perfect in terms of dealing .The relationship has helped  to nip riots in the bud. Since the last riot in the  school in 2011, the school has  been relatively peaceful. Where there is community policing, you  hardly see crime in such places.”

    He presented an award of excellence to the AIG.

  • Ogunsakin: kidnappings to become history in Southsouth

    Ogunsakin: kidnappings to become history in Southsouth

    Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 6 Tunde Ogunsakin has promised to end kidnappings in the Southsouth.

    Ogunsakin said the police and other security agencies have identified kidnapping as a major crime and were ready to end the vice soon.

    He spoke when he visited the palace of the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V.

    The AIG, a renowned advocate of community policing, used the visit to strengthen the relationship between the police and the traditional institutions in Cross River State.

    The police boss   expressed his love for Calabar, stating how nostalgic he felt on returning to the city as it was the first place he was posted to by the Nigeria Police.

    Ogunsakin described the state as peaceful but frowned at the rising crime rate, particularly in Calabar South and urged police bosses in the area to stem the tide.

    He told the Obong and his Council of Chiefs   of the strategy being employed by the command in addressing kidnappings and other crimes in the state.

    The Obong urged the AIG not to relent in the fight against crime and criminals. He also pledged the support of the traditional rulers in the state to the police and commended the Zone 6 Command for the display of orderliness and acceptable conduct.

    Also, Ogunsakin dissociated himself from a Facebook account.

    Ogunsakin, in a statement, said: “We wish to draw the attention of the general public to a dubious Facebook account with name CP Tunde Ogunsakin created on Friday, June 5, 2015.

    “The said account has a profile picture of AIG Tunde Ogunsakin donning a Commissioner of Police rank and has Port Harcourt listed as a place of residence. The account also bears Ikere, Ekiti State as hometown.

    “We hereby deny any affiliation between AIG Tunde Ogunsakin and the fraudulent Facebook account, stating unequivocally that the account is a product of fraudsters and/or criminals.

    “For the records, we wish to inform that AIG Ogunsakin is presently the Assistant Inspector General of Police, zone 6, Calabar of the Nigeria Police and does not have and has never had a personal Facebook account in an official capacity and thus encourage well-meaning Facebook users to be wary of cyber criminals and hackers.“

  • Ogunsakin vows to deal with corrupt officers

    Ogunsakin vows to deal with corrupt officers

    Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Zone 2 Tunde Ogunsakin has vowed to deal with corrupt officers in his zone.

    Zone 2 comprises of Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Ebonyi and Rivers states.

    He spoke at the command headquarters in Calabar during an address to the four commissioners under his command.

    Ogunsakin said: “I have an allergy for corruption and will therefore deal decisively with officers who indulge in corrupt practices. You must warn all your officers and men to eschew any sharp and corrupt acts that will drag the image of the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute. My “X” Squad Team has commenced monitoring within the Zone and the names of all officers and men found wanting in their conduct is being compiled for appropriate disciplinary actions. I must emphasize that bail remains free for all cases.”

    He urged them to intensify stop and search.

    Ogunsakin said: This must be intensified and geared towards the recovery of arms, ammunition, explosives and other incriminating items that may have been stocked for the purpose of perpetrating violence during the electioneering period.

    “Raiding of black spots and criminal hideouts: This should be intensified and reports made to my office. All the arms lost by our Policemen before and during the electioneering period must be recovered forthwith.”

    He added that Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Heads of Formations must wake up to their responsibilties.

    His words: “I am closely monitoring the performance of every DPO and Heads of Formations in your respective commands. No officer should allow his domain to be made a hide-out for criminals. They must be seen to dominate their jurisdictions and exude convincing crime prevention and detection skills. There may be need for me to carry out inter-state transfers within Zone 6 Command to change officers that are not performing up to my expectation.”

    On professional conduct, he said:”You must enjoin all officers and men under you to be professional in the performance of their Police duties. The members of the public that we serve must be treated courteously and not be brutalised.”

    The zonal Police chief also seized the opportunity to seek for cooperation of members of the public in the fight against crime and criminality. He urged all law abiding citizens to go about their business without let or hinderance and warned all perpetrators of crime to expect the full wrath of a rejuvenated Nigeria Police.

  • We’ve reduced kidnappings by 49 per cent, says Rivers CP Ogunsakin

    We’ve reduced kidnappings by 49 per cent, says Rivers CP Ogunsakin

    Rivers State Commissioner of Police Tunde Ogunsakin assumed office on February 12. What has he done since then? Here they are in his words:

    The attention and projection that we have received since our resumption in February is overwhelming. The command in its mandatory duty of protecting lives and property has discharged various duties. We understand that assessment of function and duties is necessary to let us tighten some loose ends and be on the front seat of protecting lives and property as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria.

    We began our assessment with the tour of duty at the Ahoada Area Command. Ahoada was before then, consisting of seventeen (17) divisional police stations we identified the need to create an additional station Egi Police station was created, expanding Ahoada to 18 Division in totality. In our effort to rebuild the command, we have created Egi division to strategically bring policing to the door steps of the people, especially, the yearning people of Egi. During our inspections of Ahoada, we have been able to see the daily needs our officers at Ahoada. I have mapped out strategies to confront those challenges that I think require urgent attention. The tour will soon be extended to Port Harcourt area command.

    Forum of Traditional Rulers

    Rivers State Council of Traditional Ruler constitutes the major bloc of opinion models of the state. The command in its bid to identify and sustain relationship with the people, met with the royal fathers, who opined that issue of security, can be best tackled, when there is a synergy of relevant parties involved. The issue of cult groups who torment the citizenry on daily bases was discussed. The Rivers State Police Command is open to any advice or useful information that can help eradicate this ugly development.

    Stakeholders forum

    In our bid to push development to another level within the command, I have created a stake-holders’ forum who will serve as agents of development. The group consists of corporate organisations who liaise with the Police. The group will serve as a connecting rod to development in most areas that can help the command to grow. We are aware of the challenges posed by the question of who constitutes this group and will thus address them.

    Joint Task Force

    In our assessment of the command before resumption, the command used to have a robust relationship with other sister organisation. In the same vein, we have revitalised the JTF patrol the team was deemed necessary as a result of the challenges of sophisticated crimes, especially in the area of kidnapping the team, since its resuscitation has performed overtly beyond expectation in nipping crime in the bud at every corner.

    The command under my leadership has recorded huge success. In the area of Infrastructural development, we have created a new life for people of Omoku with the upgrading of Egi Police post to a division. My goals on assumption of duty here is to bring succour to the people of Rivers State, especially in the area of security. We are also working on the development in Ahoada command by building two additional divisions to make our goal of community policing a reality to the people. Community policing is an in -thing among security networks. We the officers of River State Police Command will not depart from this, God willing.

    Information and Communications Technology

    In modern day security, information technology plays a vital role in intelligence gathering and sharing. The command in its effort has caught up with this globalisation by creating an ultra-modern facility to enable our cops especially in the intelligent department catch up with reality. We have set up a structure for human capital development in ensuring officers access to the world through 24 hours access to the internet. This will not only help in their work but also help in both social and economic development.

    Operational achievements

    Upon my resumption of office as the Commissioner of Police, there have been astronomical achievements in the area of operations. Criminals can no longer consider Rivers State a safe haven as dedicated and well-motivated officers of the Command have demonstrated strong commitment to combating crime in all its manifestations

    Within this period, a large number of suspects have been arrested  with 1115 ammunitions and firearms recovered by the different divisions and units. Over 35 victims of kidnap have been rescued in this time also.

    In February, 181 cases were recorded of which 257 suspects were arrested. 98 cases were charged to court alongside 175 suspects, out of which 33 suspects were convicted, 78 are awaiting trial, while 36 were discharged and acquitted.

    In March, of 171 cases were recorded of which 213 suspects were arrested. Of these, 99 cases were charged to court alongside 166 suspects out of which 36 suspects were convicted, 72 are awaiting trial, while 16 were discharged and acquitted.

    In April, 198 cases were recorded of which 344 suspects were arrested. Of these, 128 cases were charged to court alongside 243 suspects, out of which 84 suspects were convicted, 135 are awaiting trial, while 24 were discharged and acquitted.

    Crime rate

    The Police have recorded success in the reduction of crime rate occasioned by the increase in apprehension of criminals. As a matter of fact, in the area of kidnapping overseen by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, we have recorded a reduction of the incidence by about 49 per cent in the past three months with a total of 31 cases as against the 21 cases recorded in January alone.

    In other areas such as armed robbery, the assiduous efforts of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad have seen a commendable rise in the arrest of robbers. Statistically speaking, a rise in apprehension to the measure of 250 per cent has been recorded with 27 armed robbers apprehended from February 2014 as against only two arrests made in January.

     

  • Ogunsakin…The man who will ‘clear’ Mbu’s mess

    Ogunsakin…The man who will ‘clear’ Mbu’s mess

    Commissioner of Police Mbu Joseph Mbu was on February 6 redeployed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and replaced with Johnson Tunde Ogunsakin, an indigene of Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, who was the commissioner in charge of the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Milverton Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. Mbu, for almost all his time in Rivers, many say was unprofessional.

    To Rivers indigenes, Ogunsakin’s success will depend on his embrace of professionalism and neglect of partisanship.

    Ogunsakin was born on August 1, 1957 and enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 1982. He attended L. A. Primary School, Ikere-Ekiti and later proceeded to the Annunciation College, Ikere-Ekiti.

    On completion of his secondary school education, the Rivers police commissioner gained admission into the then University of Ife, Ile-Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). He graduated in 1980 with B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science/History.

    He participated in the compulsory one year national youth service in Ogun State in 1981. He also has Advanced Diploma in Law Diplomacy/Conflict Management from the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 1982.

    Ogunsakin started his police career in 1984 in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, as a Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Bodija Police Station. In 1985, he attended the Anti-Riot Mobile Police Training at Gwoza, Borno State. He was the Unit Commander, Number 4 Squadron, Ibadan. In 1989, he joined the Interpol Lagos as a Detective Superintendent.

    t Interpol, he performed excellently, became the head and was made the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Organised Crime Division; OC, Europe/North America of the Economic and Financial Crimes Division and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of Interpol.

    Ogunsakin was among the officers that worked on the team that put an end to the terror reign of the notorious armed robbery gang of Lawrence Anini in the country.

    Shortly after his redeployment, said: “I am going to do my professional work and create an environment for the peaceful conduct of elections. I will be fair to all.”

    The new Rivers police boss was appointed commissioner of police, SFU in 2009. Prior to the appointment, he was the deputy police commissioner, Information Technology, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    Ogunsakin also served as the Director of Operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) between June 2008 and May 2009. He is a former Head of Investigations at the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

    The representative of Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro constituency of Rivers State in the House of Representatives, Dakuku Peterside, believes there is the need to give peace a chance in the state.

    Peterside, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) and ex-Rivers Commissioner for Works, said: “Mbu is only a symptom of an ailment. Mbu is not all about the problem. He is not the fundamental problem. The fundamental problem is to guarantee the rights of Rivers people to associate freely. The rights of Rivers people to gather when they so choose to. That is the issue. Mbu is only a vehicle that they have abused.

    “The police force is established by our constitution and they have rights. It is funded by tax payers’ money. They have rather abused the institution of the police force. Whether you change Mbu or not, is not the issue. The President is under oath to guarantee the freedom of all Nigerians. He is on oath to protect lives and property. Are lives and property protected? The answer is no.

    “For me, when there is breakdown of law and order, when you continue to go on with lawlessness, it is the first sign of a failed state. We are advancing to that point. We must do something drastic to halt the decline that we are currently experiencing.

    “We must do something very fundamental to stop the lawlessness that pervades the land. Until we stop the lawlessness, then there is no hope for our people. Our people will take their destinies into their own hands. They will stop this impunity by their votes. Of course, February 2015 is by the corner.

    “Our people are tired of this lawlessness. They are tired of this impunity. They will use their votes and stop this madness.

    “Whether Mbu comes or Mbu goes is immaterial. The Nigeria police should keep themselves to their constitutionally-guaranteed duty of enforcement of law and order. Whether it is Mr. White or Mr. John, we are not excited.

    “What we want to see is the fact that the police force must be impartial, must be fair to all manner of people, protect lives and property and ensure the maintenance of law and order. That will be our ultimate joy and will be the ultimate joy of our people.”

    Senator Magnus Abe, who was at the receiving end of Mbu’s reign of terror, said change must come.

    Abe, while recalling his experience in the hand of Mbu’s men, said: “I was not alone there (Rivers College of Arts and Science, Rumuola, Port Harcourt). There were more than two hundred people, who saw what happened. This young man was there with the camera. He was beaten up and his camera was destroyed. So, if nothing happened, why were they so eager to make sure that no picture of what happened got out?

    “They (policemen) opened fire on us in their midst. We were not in any crowd. To say that I was not shot is the largest understatement or the biggest lie of the century. These men opened fire, teargassed, everything was fired everywhere. People saw what happened.

    “That I was not killed, yes, but to say they opened fire on you and you did not die, therefore nothing happened, is the height of. I do not know how to describe it. However, for me, I am going to court. I have asked my lawyers to file my case in court, against all those who had hands in what happened. I will meet them in court.”

    He said the time had come for a new direction for the state.

    Abe said: “We have had lots of these crises. Any right-thinking person will agree that it is time for us to put some of these things behind us. Since last year, there had been a concerted attempt to remove the governor (Amaechi) from office and overthrow the government of Rivers State by force and there is no provision in our Constitution for that kind of behaviour.

    “Having tried by all earthly means and they have failed, I will appeal to them to now sheathe their swords and let us work together, to try to help the people of Rivers State. That is the reason for which we say we are playing politics. What we are doing now is not helping them. It is clear that the governor cannot be removed without the law.

    “So, since that is clear and that is what we all agreed, as citizens of Nigeria, let us work with the governor (Amaechi), let him do his job and let all of us, who also have jobs to do, be allowed to do our own jobs. If we do that, it will help the state (Rivers), it will help the country.

    “For us to turn Rivers State into a theatre of war, because of the ambition of any single individual, is morally, politically and spiritually wrong. We cannot kill ourselves here, because of anybody. If people feel that they want to join a political party, they should be allowed to join the party of their choice.

    “If you feel that you have superior reason why people should follow your own party, explain your reasons to the people. Do not carry guns to go and attack or kill the people, for going to join another party. There is no justification for that kind of behaviour. As far as I know, the President (Dr. Goodluck Jonathan) himself has said he does not think that anybody’s ambition is worth anybody’s blood.

    “Nobody should assume that when you throw a stone into the market, you know who it will hit. If we continue to buy guns and arm people, every gun you buy has a lifespan of over one hundred years.

    “So, who knows who will be your friend tomorrow? Who knows who will be your enemy tomorrow? Who knows in which direction these guns will point tomorrow? Let us play our politics, win or lose, let us thank God for the privilege he has given to us to lead and we should move on with our lives.”

    The Rivers Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibibia Walter, however, insisted that Mbu exhibited professionalism.

    Walter said: “Mbu exhibited professionalism

    while in Rivers State. Many Rivers people appreciated the works of Mbu in Rivers State. Mbu was accused of protecting the PDP by Governor Rotimi Amaechi, the APC and SRM’s leaders, who found it difficult to pocket Mbu, who showed so much professionalism.

    “That is why he (Mbu) has been deployed to a higher challenge. The incoming police commissioner (Ogunsakin) must also show professionalism.”

    The President of the pro-Amaechi’s SRM, Charles Aholu, a lawyer, declared that Mbu would be remembered for rascality, partisanship and trampling on rights of Rivers people.

    Aholu said: “Mbu’s redeployment from Rivers State to Abuja is a victory for democracy. Mbu will be remembered for the rascality he perpetrated on the psyche of Rivers people. He will be remembered as the only cop that has worn a very clear apparel of partisanship, when it comes to policing.

    “Mbu will also be remembered for trampling on the rights of Rivers citizens and for us, these are not good remarks.

    “The incoming police commissioner (Ogunsakin) should not make the mistakes that Mbu made. We will expect him to be professional in his approach. We believe that he will be professional.”

    The new Rivers police commissioner said in an interview: “As a policeman, you must be prepared for every challenge. Whether you are doing investigation, operations or even administration, you must be prepared to step on toes.

    “If you are doing investigation or working on a case, you must believe in yourself and then know that you have responsibilities. The responsibility you have is your guts, your country and you will do justice to the case you are doing.

    “If you are investigating any case, you must have it at the back of your mind that your friends, brothers, sisters and church members are going to come to try to influence you, either on the side of the suspect or the complainant.

    “So, you must be able to define your own pedigree. Once you believe in God and you believe in fairness, you will overcome every challenge. I have friends, but my friends know me when it comes to my job. I do not joke with my job. I can hardly be influenced.”

    Ogunsakin also admitted that initially, he did not want to become a policeman, while opting to work in a foreign mission

    He said: “Everybody has an ambition. As a small child, when you are growing up, you always want to grow up to be like your father. So, it is true that while we were in the university I did not want to become a police officer, because the profession did not look attractive then, but the event that happened later did change my whole perception about the police.

    “I am very proud to be a police officer. I thank God for that. I have satisfaction being a policeman and people must appreciate that police are friends of the public.

    “There were several jobs when we finished school, but my target was to work in foreign mission, but I am now a policeman and I am very happy to be a policeman.”

    The new Rivers police boss admitted that he did not know he was going to join the Nigeria police, but it happened after an event, as he was impressed by how a police officer handled the matter, when he and his friend were wrongly accused of assaulting a police officer, which he said propelled him to join the police.

    Ogunsakin said: “Prior to that incident, if there was any profession I was interested in, it was not definitely the Nigeria police. I was on the verge of joining the Nigerian Foreign Service, when a friend and I were accused of assaulting a police officer and we were taken to the police station.

    “An ASP handled the situation so professionally, that I was so keen to want to join the Nigeria police, because of his action and that led me to where I am now. I am actually proud to be a policeman and I am enjoying the job.”

    Hailing from Ekiti State, fondly referred to as “The Fountain of Knowledge” and “The Land of Honour,” which has Dr. Kayode Fayemi as governor, the new Rivers police commissioner places emphasis on integrity and fear of God, standing out as a police officer who cannot be compromised.

    Ogunsakin said: “As soon as I finished the training, that lasted for 13 months, at the Police Staff College, Jos, I was posted to Ibadan as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). I was privileged to serve in the office of Mrs. Koloko, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) at Dugbe Motor Traffic Division.

    “My working with Mrs. Koloko shaped my job in the Nigeria Police, because she was a very strict disciplinarian. She had zero tolerance to corruption. I was to spend three months attachment with her, but ended up spending eight months, out of the nine months attachment I was supposed to do, because she would not let me go.

    “Initially, senior officers who had worked with her tried to discourage me from doing my attachment with her, when they heard that I was posted to her office, because they believed she was wicked and all that, but then, I had no choice, I was posted there.

    “My first day, I got to the office around 7:30 am and she was already there. The second day, I was in the office by 7:45 am, she was there again and I told myself I had to adjust my timing, because she did not say anything. The third day, I got to the office five minutes before her and the fourth day 10 minutes earlier and since then, I studied her conduct.

    “I did my best and she reciprocated by giving me a lot of sensitive jobs, counseling me and she was very good to me. She mentored me. She stays in Ibadan, but she still comes around to encourage us.

    “After my attachment, I was posted to the Crime Department of Bodija Station in Ibadan. After about a year, there was an opening in the Anti-Riot Police, otherwise known as the Mobile Police and I was very interested. So, I went to the Commander in the Mobile then, who is late now, and I told him I was interested in Mobile Police.

    “The Commander just looked at me and said I was just about a year old in the Nigeria Police Force and that the Commissioner of Police then, Senator Nuhu Aliyu, now retired, would not consider me, because I had to spend at least three years, before I could be admitted to the Mobile Police. I begged him that I wanted to do it.

    “Fortunately for me, not many officers wanted to go into Mobile Police then, because most officers wanted to work in other divisions. I put more pressure and I was taken to the then Deputy Commissioner of Police, who was initially reluctant, but eventually took me to the then Commissioner of Police, who asked me if I really wanted to join the Mobile Police and I said yes. He then said if I had made up my mind to join the Mobile Police, he believed I could do great.

    “The mobile training I received has always been a good part of me, because it was quite different from the ordinary learning process of the police. It was effective, thorough and strenuous. There is a saying in the Mobile Police, the three “S” which is Silence, Speed and Surprise. The Silence, Speed and Surprise are the key “S” that prepares you for other issues.”

    He believes it pays to work hard, be professional in one’s duties, shun corruption and put one’s trust only in the Lord.

    Ogunsakin said: “When I left the Mobile Police after three and a half years, I was in Lagos and I had an instance when my boys killed eight armed robbers in one night, when Anini was terrorising the state.

    “If you are good in the Mobile Police, you are good, because they are very professional. I was nicknamed ‘Tunde OC Court’ or ‘Tunde Idiagbon’ in Ibadan, because they knew that I would never want to hear about anybody collecting money at the road blocks. My experience at the road traffic in Ibadan helped me a lot. Back then in Ibadan, anybody that was caught was taken to court, hence the nickname given to me.

    “That was how I got myself into Interpol, because when I left the Mobile Police, I met with Aliyu, who said I would be good in investigation and he brought me to Lagos. As soon as I got to Alagbon in Lagos, I was posted to Interpol. As at that time, not many people wanted to work in the Interpol.

    “I handled the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) case and we recovered about N23 million. I handled the case of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), where we recovered about N650 million and the suspects were charged to court and other cases like that.

    “Subsequently, I briefly worked in the Provost’s Office and I was moved to the Police Staff College as the Director of Studies for few months. I was taken back to Abuja and I worked in the Force Secretary’s Office. From there, I was moved to IG Monitoring Unit, where I worked under Mr. Sunday Ehindero (former IGP). From there, I was moved to the ICPC as the Head of Investigations.

    “I must mention that Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, is somebody I see myself very lucky to have worked with, because I learnt a lot from him. When I got to the ICPC, there were lots of things we wanted to do, but he was like, he slowed us down, saying we had to be very thorough.

    “Most of the cases I handled, I had to first send them to his office and he would call me to his office saying: ‘Tunde, o ya sit down, you want to charge this man to the court’ and I would said yes sir. ‘I am the Judge in this court, you are the prosecutor, convince me why this man should go to the court and all that.’ If you are not prepared, then you would mess yourself up. So, before taking a case to him, you must know what he was going to ask you and you must be well prepared.

    “I was later moved to the EFCC as the Director of Operations. From there, I was posted back to the Police as the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Information Technology. It was a section of the Police I enjoyed, because of the dynamism of the society and the globalisation of policing. You must be up to date in Information Technology, to be able to do good policing. I left the place and thanks to the IGP and Police Management Team, I was posted to the SFU as the Commissioner of Police.”

    In Ogunsakin’s interaction with police officers across the globe, he said he found that police officers are respectfully remunerated. In United Kingdom, for instance, he noted that a police inspector friend of his (now retired) then earned about 47,000 Pounds annually, and upon retirement, the house he lived in worth about 300,000 Pounds would become his and would go on vacation twice a year, to any location of his choice in the world and the government would pay, while education, medicals and others for his children were free, making cases of corruption in the UK to be very minimal.

    He called on the members of the National Assembly and other people at the helm of affairs to give priority attention to police welfare.

    The new Rivers police commissioner said: “Police officers and men have to be very well remunerated, because there are so many good police officers and men that corruption practices will be unattractive to, if they are well looked after.

    “The core problem of corruption today is because of lack of security. Anybody in the corridors of power thinks that it is his time and the best he will do is to get enriched before the time runs out. Because of our kind of polity and cultural demands, people tend to prepare for the future.

    “In a situation where you have a future, in the sense that you have a welfare package and your retirement is secured, then corruption will become very unattractive.”

    Ogunsakin also admonished Nigerians, especially the youths, to imbibe the culture of integrity in whatever they do.

    Will his integrity not give way in Rivers? All eyes will be on Ogunsakin. Certainly.

  • Brother Johnson

    Brother Johnson

    A few days ago, a miracle happened. It is not that an 80-year-old woman was delivered of a baby. It had nothing to do with a woman without a womb getting pregnant and giving birth to a healthy baby. No deaf person spoke after a pastor laid hands on his head. But it is a miracle because over time many were beginning to give up. They had resigned to fate and literally declared: “This man will stay here for life!”

    But the man has gone! He has left and in his place has surfaced a man those who know him claim is both an officer and a gentleman. They are vouching for his credibility and integrity. As far as they are concerned, the messiah of peace has finally come and darkness should just vanish.

    Johnson Tunde Ogunsakin. These are the names of the new Commissioner of Police in Rivers State. He is the man many are ready to invest their reputation. Ogunsakin is a Lagos boy. Never mind that he comes from Ekiti State, which is governed by the cerebral Dr Kayode Fayemi. Ogunsakin, I was told by a colleague who covers police affairs, is a gentleman, who will rather quit than allow anyone mess him up.

    But despite everything I have been told about Ogunsakin, who I feel comfortable addressing as Brother Johnson, I still want to thread on the path of caution. My reason is simple: Rivers where he has been posted is a state where the First Family has interest. President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Patience, I stand to be corrected, have more than passing interest in Rivers State. Whatever crisis the state has witnessed in the last few months could be likened to the parody of the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob.

    The man Ogunsakin is replacing, Joseph Mbu, may have his bad ways. He may be notorious but the sort of mess he created in Rivers, which many expect Ogunsakin to clear, I doubt, was not the stuff he individually was capable of. As respected Professor of Law Itse Sagay noted, Mbu could only have done that with the Presidency’s backing.

    While Mbu reigned, Rivers was on the edge. The police chief saw no reason to respect Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Just a few days before his removal was announced, he banned political rallies. Before then he had insisted permits must be sought and approved by him before anyone or group could organise political rallies.

    Mbu made sure the Grassroots Democratic Initiative (GDI), a group which has Supervising Minister of Education Nyesom Wike as patron, enjoyed police support for its rallies. He, however, ensured the Save Rivers Movement (SRM) did not enjoy the same treatment. There were instances his men even disrupted SRM rallies or looked the other way when militants or thugs unleashed mayhem on SRM members.

    Mbu was law. He reduced the governor to almost a second class citizen in his own state. It was not until the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party to which the governor defected after being harassed out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), threatened to shutdown the Jonathan government using its strength in the legislature that Mbu allowed the first SRM rally. Days after, he announced a ban on all rallies to ensure SRM does not have the upper hand.

    Now, Mbu is history. At least in Rivers. May be he will now hound opposition elements in Abuja, where fate has thrown him.

    The talk in town now is Brother Johnson. Will he be different? Will he quit if external forces try to give him wrong instructions? Will he ensure peace in Rivers as he has promised? Does he have what it takes to stand up to the madam at the top? These are questions time will tell.

    But some believe Brother Johnson will balk. They say the fear of ending his career despite the prospects ahead of him will make him think twice before disobeying the madam at the top, who is coordinating the ‘Operation- confine-Amaechi-to-history’ for the First Family. Whatever happens, Brother Johnson, permit me to remind you of a few things, which should guide you: when a woman and a man are in the heat of passion, they help undress each other. When they are done, it is “to your tent oh Israel”. What this means is that when you have been used, you get dumped and left to sort yourself out.

    A life example will drive home the point. The late Raphael Ige was the police big shot who was used to execute a coup against the then governor of Anambra State, Dr Chris Ngige, who is now a senator. Those who used the late Ige dumped him after the matter became an embarrassment. He was disgraced out of the police and died not long after in opaque circumstances.

    A few who were used for bad acts survived and lived to repent. Many do not have such luxury.

    I will end this by reminding you of where you come from. Ekiti, your state of origin, is known as Ile Iyi, Ike Eye. Simply put, it is the land of honour. What made you decide to join the police, going by your own account, was the honourable way an officer once handled a matter in which you were involved. This is not the time to forget honour. It should be your watchword as you settle into your new assignment.

    You had a good record in the Mobile Police Unit. You were outstanding at INTERPOL. You had a good outing at the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offence Commission (ICPC). You had a good time at the Special Fraud Unit (SFU). Will you have a good outing in Rivers State? The choice is yours Brother Johnson. The matter is like a bird in between your palm. You can decide if it is alive or dead.

    I rest my case by repeating again that you come from a state of honour. Ile Iyi, Ile Eye! Yesterday is history. Mbu is history. Tomorrow is mystery. You are tomorrow. Live above board by clearing Mbu’s mess and if in the process you have to bow out of the force, do it. All the best.