AWKA—A BOMB went off Tuesday night at the Awka official lodge of Governor Chris Ngige of Anambra State in what was seen yesterday as the latest attempt on his life. And in response to Tuesday's judgement of the Court of Appeal, Enugu quashing an order that the police should remove Ngige from office, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, yesterday announced the restoration of the governor's full security personnel.
The explosion left big holes on the walls and smashed window glasses of two buildings housing the governor’s security aides. Nobody was injured.
Governor Ngige was at home at the time of the explosion (10p.m.), and he said he was not scared by the development. “I wasn’t scared. I slept here (the lodge). In fact, I slept like a new born baby without hassles,” he told reporters yesterday.
The state police command confirmed the explosion and deployed its Bomb Disposal Unit to the sprawling compound where some other bombs were removed for detonation. It was gathered that the bombs were planted at a farm near the lodge. A wire was run from the farm to the lodge and connected to a battery from where it was detonated.
Eye witnesses told Vanguard that the deafening sound of the exploded bomb shook the foundation of the entire lodge. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the explosion but their identities were not disclosed.
Both the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Felix Ogbaudu, and the state Director of State Security Service (SSS) were said to have rushed to the lodge on hearing about the bomb explosion.
Governor Ngige’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mr. Ogbonna Okonkwo, condoned off the area and was seen directing affairs on security measures. Also, the state Director of SSS was on hand, urging security personnel to be vigilant.
Governor Ngige who spoke before he left for Abuja said he was not scared by the bomb explosion. He said those behind the bomb scare wanted to create confusion in the state. He confirmed that some people had been arrested in connection with the bomb explosion.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kolapo Shofoluwe, confirmed the bomb explosion and said the Bomb Disposal Unit of the Force had been invited. Shofoluwe said the Police Commissioner and other top police functionaries rushed to the lodge and beefed up security in the area. He said the police had begun investigation into the matter.
News of the bomb explosion created another round of tension in Anambra State as everybody went about yesterday apprehensive of the security in the state, especially Awka, the state capital.
Police restore full security to Ngige
Meanwhile, the police hierarchy yesterday in Abuja announced the reinstatement of the full security details of Governor Ngige, saying the decision was in compliance with Tuesday’s judgement of the Appeal Court in Enugu.
Announcing the reinstatement of the security details, Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tafa Balogun, said: “Since we are governed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we are law-abiding organisation, we the Police High Command have met and come to the conclusion that we resuscitate the full security apparatus of Governor Chris Ngige.
“The Nigeria Police operates in accordance with the law. If you will recall the circumstances under which Governor Ngige’s security was withdrawn, you will remember that a High Court of competent jurisdiction ordered the withdrawal of the governor’s security while a concurrent court said it should be restored.
“Based on the counter orders, there was need for a higher court of competent jurisdiction to rule on the matter. The Honourable Attorney-General in his wisdom advised that we maintain the status-quo ante. Now that the Appeal Court has ruled, we are now using the medium to order the Anambra State Police Commissioner to restore his security as obtainable to his fellow governors in other states of the federation.”
Mr. Balogun disagreed with allegations of police complicity in the lawlessness displayed by thugs and hoodlums during the mayhem in which properties worth N35 billion were destroyed and the governor exposed to danger, saying: “We have always been in touch with Governor Ngige and if there is police complicity, we will find out because we have set up an apparatus to investigate the matter.”
Asked why up till now no arrest had been made when some notable Nigerians of Anambra State origin had publicly said they were behind the action of the hoodlums and threatened to deal with a serving governor, the IG said the public was being misinformed.
“I am sorry that a lot of insinuations have been given on Anambra State saga wrongly. Indeed, a lot of arrests were made. The Commissioner of Police has been saying that those who destroyed property were arrested. Two days ago, the CP paraded the arrested culprits and the vehicles they used were displayed.”
On what the police command would do concerning the fate of the Anambra State Police Commissioner, Mr Felix Ogbaudu, following his indictment for non-performance by the Police Service Commission, Mr. Balogun said: “The Police Service Commission has no power to remove any officer as its duty is not to investigate cases. It deals with promotions, appointment and discipline only. It is the Nigerian Police hierarchy that can set up a force disciplinary committee to investigate officers. The officer in question will be summoned by the committee if need be to come and defend himself after which the panel will submit its report of its findings to the Inspector-General for any action necessary.”
