The celebrated antagonism between the Rivers State Governor and then Commissioner of Police (CP) re-echoed yesterday as the officer in the centre of the controversy boasted that he tamed the state’s Chief Security Officer.

At the handing over ceremony yesterday in Abuja, Joseph Mbu, who was the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) CP, now promoted to Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), while advising his successor, CP Wilson Inalegwu to be firm in handling his responsibilities and without sentiments, Mbu said that as a ‘lion’ he made sure he checked the excesses of the ‘leopard’, when he was the police boss there.

Obviously alluding to Governor Chibuike Amaechi, Mbu said, “It’s only ‘lions’ that can tame ‘leopards’. Like when I was in Port Harcourt, the ‘leopard’ there, I tamed him.”

Now posted to be in charge of Zone 7 as the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Mbu charged the new FCT Police Commissioner to be mindful of his present office, as “it is a prestigious office.”

Mbu also cautioned his successor that under no circumstance, should he demand gratification from Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).

“Do not apply sentiments when you are doing police work, because you are going to fail. I have sworn to an oath of allegiance and loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Anybody who crosses my way, I crush him or her. The moment you start asking DPOs to bring cows or building... you have ruined yourself,” Mbu cautioned.

He counseled Inalegwu on the importance of giving priority to the welfare of officers and men, even as he advised against dealing directly with members of the rank and file.

He said: “Whatever relationship you have with your officers, none should predict your actions.

“Entertain less of the junior ranks into your office. Build confidence in your men, and rank and file will trust you and give you information,” he said.

Responding, the FCT police boss, promised to build on the achievements of Mbu. This was as he noted that the police “must adopt community-oriented policing”, as well as “acceptable international best practices.”

•Text courtesy of The Guardian. Photo shows Mbu.