A coalition of concerned citizens in Anambra State has petitioned the Police Service Commission (PSC), over what it described as alleged moves by a transferred senior police officer to secure a return posting to the state.
In a communiqué on Wednesday in Awka signed by its coordinator, Mr. Monday Ezeudo, the group claimed that the officer, currently a Commissioner of Police whose name was withheld, had been reaching out to influential individuals and power brokers to facilitate his redeployment to Anambra.
The coalition said the reported development had sparked anxiety among residents, civil society organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders who prioritise peace, accountability and professionalism in security management.
According to the communiqué, the concerns stem from allegations that trailed the officer’s previous deployment in the state.
The group alleged that during his tenure, there were persistent public complaints bordering on abuse of power, selective enforcement of the law and undue interference in civil matters.
It claimed that such actions allegedly eroded public trust and weakened confidence in the state’s security architecture at the time.
Although it acknowledged that the allegations had not been proven, the coalition maintained that they created “a climate of suspicion and division” that the state was only beginning to overcome.
The group expressed fears that the officer’s return could undermine recent gains recorded in collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
It said, “Anambra State has, in recent times, witnessed improved cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Fragile stability
“This fragile stability depends heavily on public confidence, professionalism and transparency.
“The return of any officer whose previous deployment generated controversy risks undermining these gains.”
The coalition warned that such a move could rekindle distrust between residents and security agencies, weaken intelligence gathering and embolden criminal elements.
It further cautioned that the development might trigger avoidable tension and protests in communities that felt aggrieved by past experiences.
The group argued that redeploying an officer amid lingering controversy could send the wrong signal about accountability and ethical conduct within security institutions.
It therefore called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission and the Ministry of Police Affairs to weigh the broader security implications before taking any decision on postings.
