Niger Delta youths have demanded the reinstatement of the Rivers State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Basil Igwebueze.
The youths under the South-South Youths Initiative appealed to the NSCDC Commandant General, Audi Ahmed, to approve Igwebueze’s reinstatement.
In a statement on Thursday, the group’s President, Imeabe Oscar, said the appeal for Igwebueze’s reinstatement follows his records of professional conduct while serving in the state.
He noted that he displayed professionalism in securing critical government assets as under him several illegal bunkering sites have been busted and instrumental to the peace in the state.
The statement read, “It should be on record that one of the criteria for appointing heads of security agencies is professionalism.
“We are very much happy that the current State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Rivers State Command, Mr Basil Igwebueze has displayed professionalism and diligence in his duties.
“He has been very instrumental to the peace we enjoy in Rivers State and in securing critical government assets as under him several illegal bunkering sites have been burst and thereby increasing the revenue accruing to the federations account.
“He has been doing well in coordinating his men and we are happy that we have such a person heading a security architecture in Rivers State considering the fact that the state houses many critical Federal Government assets.”
Oscar, however, said the body is not happy that such a gallant and diligent officer is being posted out when the state needs him more to consolidate his good works here.
“As we speak, we are not happy that at the time we need him most to consolidate on the good works he has been doing, he is being redeployed,” he stated.
The youths noted that Nigerians and Rivers people are now having greater confidence in NSCDC because of their high level of professionalism and diligence in duties.
“In as much as we commend the CG Dr Audi Ahmed for his good works in posting competent officers to various states, we are asking that he should consolidate that with the reinstatement of Commandant Basil Igwebueze to continue in Rivers State.
“Commandant Basil has been doing so much and we haven’t recorded any wrongdoing against him. We are proud of him and we have every reason to pass a vote of confidence in him and we want to appeal for his reinstatement because of the kind of services he has rendered to the people of Rivers State and the South-South region.
“This is one man you can call at any time of the night and he will respond. Such a person should be encouraged to do more for the people of the state and the region.
“Again, we passed a vote of confidence on him and wished that the CG would listen to our appeal and bring him back to Rivers State,” the group said.