The controversial Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos State, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu, on Tuesday, said he and his policemen were ready to testify and defend their actions and conducts during the general elections at any electoral tribunal.
Mbu, who made this statement while receiving the Crime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (CRAN) Hall of Fame Award for conducting violence-free elections in Ogun and Lagos states, said that some individuals and political parties had accused the police of aiding their opponents to win the general elections. He vehemently denied that commands under his watch were never partisans.
He said: “We conducted elections in Lagos and Ogun states and it turned out to be the best of its kind. I thank all my Commissioners, Area Commanders, DPOs, Senior and junior officers for an excellent job. I have also written to these policemen to thank them for their conducts during the elections. After the elections, nobody, not even the All Progressives Congress (APC) or People Democratic Party (PDP) called us to say thank you. They are still accusing us of bias. APC said we supported PDP and PDP said we supported APC, but we are ready to testify that we conducted the best elections in Lagos and Ogun states. If there was any conspiracy, any stealing of voter’s papers, it is in between them and their polling agents, not the police! We did very well!’’
The AIG however urged the police authorities to always stand by their officers on trials in the course of duties, stressing that many people passed judgment on policemen without investigating the complaints.
Mbu commended CRAN for the recognition, pointing out that the press was one group he never had a close relationship with due to their many negative write up against him.
He said the award was not to advertise him as he knew nothing about the organizer, but that the award was in recognition of a good performance.
He said: “The truth is, if you can change the Nigeria Police as it has been done and give the best to it, only one person can compensate you, because He is taking stock of all activities. And that person is God. If He does not appreciate you while in service, He’ll after service.’’
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Appolus Chu of Eleme Kingdom in Rivers State said the award showed that those in places of authority were being monitored, urging them to always do their best.
Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, represented by Rtd. Maj. Babatunde Panox, Senior Special Adviser (SSA) on Security described the award as most commendable.
Fashola urged Mbu to put in more effort, particularly as they prepare for the inauguration of new government.
Earlier, the Chairman of CRAN, Mr. Christopher Oji said Mbu was being honoured for exhibiting professionalism during elections contrary to negative belief by many on his personality.
Oji said many people believed that Mbu was posted to zone 2 to carry out the agenda of some highly placed individuals during the elections, noting that the outcome of it all proved critics wrong.
The chairman, who also congratulated Mr. Solomon Arase for his appointment as new Acting Inspector-General of Police, urged him to sustain the ban on police roadblock across the country, while he looks into his men welfare.