Insists Appointment Was Merit-Based, Calls for Professionalism, Impartiality and Peace in Enugu
By Chinonso Okoye | Abuja
The Coalition of Renewed, led by its National Coordinator, Comrade James Okoronkwo, has expressed concern over what it described as attempts by certain political actors to drag the name of the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, CP Fidelis Ndubuisi Ogarabe, Psc, mnips, into unverified political controversies.
The coalition said it would not allow the reputation of a senior police officer with over three decades of service to be subjected to political speculation, blackmail or unsubstantiated allegations.
It therefore called on political actors, commentators and members of the public to exercise restraint and allow the new police commissioner to discharge his responsibilities without unnecessary distractions.
APPOINTMENT BASED ON MERIT
The coalition maintained that CP Ogarabe’s appointment followed the established institutional process and should not be portrayed as a political favour or an arrangement by any state government.
It noted that the appointment of commissioners of police is governed by the relevant constitutional and institutional provisions, stressing that the officer should be assessed on his professional qualifications, competence, experience and service record.
ALLEGATIONS ARE NOT CONVICTIONS
The group further defended Ogarabe’s professional record, noting that he has served the Nigeria Police Force for over 30 years in different capacities, including assignments in Enugu, Lagos, the State Criminal Investigation Department and INTERPOL Annex, Lagos.
According to the coalition, allegations contained in old petitions, some dating back six to seven years, should not automatically be treated as established facts or used to discredit an officer without proper investigation and substantiation.
It stressed that allegations must be subjected to due process rather than trial by social media, adding that public officers deserve fair hearing and the opportunity to respond to claims made against them.
DON’T DRAG THE POLICE INTO 2027 POLITICS
Reacting to social media reports linking the redeployment of CP Giwa to political considerations, the coalition described the claims as unverified and urged the public not to draw conclusions without credible confirmation from the appropriate authorities.
It argued that CP Ogarabe should not be held responsible for decisions concerning another officer’s posting or redeployment, insisting that his appointment should be treated independently of political narratives surrounding the development.
The coalition warned against attempts to create unnecessary friction between the police and the Enugu State Government, particularly as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ENUGU NEEDS PEACE AND SECURITY
The group observed that Enugu State requires a peaceful and secure environment to sustain its development initiatives and attract further investment.
It therefore urged political stakeholders to place the collective interest of the state above partisan considerations and allow security agencies to perform their constitutional responsibilities without political interference.
The coalition called on all political parties, including the APC, PDP, Labour Party and APGA, to support an atmosphere of peace, security and mutual respect.
OUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE NEW COMMISSIONER
While expressing confidence in CP Ogarabe’s professional capacity, the coalition emphasised that his leadership must be defined by impartiality, discipline, professionalism and respect for the rights of citizens.
It urged him to provide equal protection for all residents of Enugu State, irrespective of political affiliation, religious belief, ethnic background or social standing.
The coalition also charged the new commissioner to resist every attempt by political interests to manipulate the police for partisan purposes.
OUR CALL
The Coalition of Renewed called on the media to uphold the principles of responsible journalism by verifying information before publication and avoiding the amplification of unsubstantiated claims.
It also urged members of the public to judge CP Ogarabe by his performance, conduct and achievements in office rather than unverified social media narratives.
The coalition encouraged the new commissioner to hit the ground running, strengthen security operations and build public confidence in the Enugu State Police Command.
It reiterated its support for merit, professionalism, institutional independence and peaceful coexistence, declaring that the security of Enugu State must never become a casualty of political ambition.
Congratulations once again to CP Fidelis Ndubuisi Ogarabe on his appointment as Commissioner of Police, Enugu State.
Signed:
Comrade James Okoronkwo
National Coordinator
Coalition of Renewed
Publisher, Public Notice and Power Magazine
