Group backs Police Commissioner’s appointment, questions Iyere’s position and urges stakeholders to keep political disagreements away from Enugu’s security affairs.
By Chinonso Okoye| Abuja
November 7, 2026
The Coalition of Renewed Hope for Enugu State has thrown its weight behind the appointment of CP Fidelis Ndubuisi Ogarabe as the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, describing the call for his redeployment by Comrade Kennedy Iyere as unnecessary and raising concerns over attempts to introduce political considerations into police leadership.
The Coalition was reacting to a Facebook/Falcon Media publication dated November 6, 2026, bearing the headline, “Iyere: Reject CP Ogarabe!”, in which Iyere reportedly called for the redeployment of the newly appointed Commissioner and a probe of the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) over alleged political influence in the posting.
In a statement, the Coalition questioned the basis of Iyere’s demand, maintaining that the appointment of Commissioners of Police falls within the established institutional framework and should be assessed through the appropriate administrative and constitutional procedures.
According to the group, CP Ogarabe’s appointment was made through the Police Service Commission, and any objections to the process should be presented through the appropriate channels rather than through public campaigns capable of generating unnecessary controversy around the state’s security administration.
The Coalition further questioned what it described as inconsistencies in Iyere’s political engagements, recalling his previous support for Governor Peter Mbah during the 2023 governorship election and his subsequent public criticism of the Governor.
It also referenced Iyere’s reported comments following his reconciliation with Governor Mbah on May 17, 2026, reportedly brokered by former Governor Jim Nwobodo, during which he was said to have indicated that he would not endorse Mbah for the 2027 election.
The group argued that these political developments make it necessary to separate personal and political disagreements from matters concerning the state’s security institutions.
It maintained that the appointment of a Police Commissioner should be evaluated primarily on professional qualifications, experience, integrity and the ability to maintain law and order, rather than becoming an extension of political disagreements.
OGARABE’S EXPERIENCE AND CONNECTION TO ENUGU
The Coalition described CP Ogarabe as an experienced officer with a longstanding professional connection to Enugu State.
It noted that he had served in Enugu as far back as 1996, worked as Chief Security Officer to former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and also served as Commissioner of Police, INTERPOL Annex, Lagos.
According to the Coalition, his previous assignments and familiarity with the state’s security environment provide relevant experience for his new responsibility.
The group urged residents to give the new Commissioner the opportunity to discharge his duties, stressing that public confidence in the police is better strengthened through professionalism, cooperation and constructive engagement.
COALITION CALLS FOR RESTRAINT
The Coalition called on Iyere to channel any grievances arising from his political disagreements through the appropriate political and institutional processes rather than making the police leadership the centre of public controversy.
It also urged stakeholders to avoid statements or actions that could undermine public confidence in the security architecture of Enugu State.
The statement stressed that the state requires a professional, impartial and intelligence-driven police command capable of addressing security challenges without political interference.
Consequently, the Coalition expressed confidence in CP Ogarabe’s appointment and called on the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police, Governor Peter Mbah and other relevant stakeholders to allow the Commissioner to perform his responsibilities.
It reiterated that the security of Enugu State should remain a collective responsibility, insisting that political differences must not overshadow the need for peace, stability and effective policing.
The Coalition of Renewed Hope for Enugu State therefore reaffirmed its support for CP Fidelis Ndubuisi Ogarabe and urged all stakeholders to prioritise the state’s security interests above political considerations.
Signed:
Coalition of Renewed Hope for Enugu State
