Retired Assistant Inspector General, AIG, of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, has told journalists in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, that he will lead a protest against Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade, “if there are no noticeable improvements in his performance index and service to the people”.
Mbu who spoke while appealing to some civil society groups to sheath their swords and not allow themselves to be used by enemies of the state in protesting against Cross River governor, Ben Ayade, also pointed out that there was room for the governor to improve on his performance away from a dearth of development projects, attendant hardship and insecurity in the state.
Commenting on the likelihood of organised protests by civil society groups in Calabar against the governor, he maintained that, “…it is the fundamental right of citizens to stage peaceful protests as long as the police are put on notice, the groups have the right motives and are not agents of frustrated opposition elements. Taking all variables into consideration, I will be the one calling for, and leading protest against the governor if his performance index does not improve. He was elected by the people to improve their lives, therefore, there will be no reasonable excuse to present a failure report card, that will amount to betraying their trust”, he said.
On how Ayade can better his performance, the retired AIG suggested that the starting point for the governor will be to refrain from reappointing previous appointees that fell short of expectations, “I think he should go for seasoned hands that will help him deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.”
Asked to comment on his years in service as a celebrated officer, Mbu who came to national limelight for his no nonsense disposition to duties as a police officer responded, “I do not have any regrets for any action I took while in service. I was loyal to my fatherland and to my Commander – in – Chief and I expect every serving officer to be professional and shun politics. I do not have any political leanings to date; I am not a card carrying member of any political party, I served Nigeria diligently and I am happy I did, without apologies to anyone”, Mbu concluded.
Mbu Joseph Mbu was at various times, Commissioner in charge of the Police Education Directorate, Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), Commissioner of Police in Oyo, Rivers states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as AIG Zone 7 Abuja, covering the FCT, Kaduna and Niger states, AIG Zone 2 covering Lagos and Ogun states. He was Commandant of the elite Police Staff College, Jos, Plateau State, from where he was retired.
