There was pandemonium and panic, yesterday, at the home of Tony Nwocha, the Chief of Staff to the Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi as over a dozen policemen stormed his home in a Commando like operation in order to withdraw his security operatives.
The police were said to have frightened the security men (including two police orderlies) within the premises leading to a standoff for several hours as they thought the “invading” policemen were sent to kill them.
Okocha said last night: “The Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the Nigeria Police in Rivers State assigned some policemen to my official residence and for escort, but Mbu has withdrawn them and those with the SSG. We are left with only one orderly each.
“No reason was given for the withdrawal of the policemen. Before the withdrawal, I had three policemen on escort duty and two policemen at my official residence. The two policemen alternated day and night.
“My life is in danger. If anything goes wrong, Mbu should be held responsible. He does not pick my calls.
“There was pandemonium when the invading policemen got to my official residence and they held everybody to ransom. One of the private security men later opened the gate.”
A directive from the National Police Headquarters was sent to Rivers Police Commissioner Mbu, authorizing him to withdraw the operatives.
The directive read in part: “You are directed to withdrawal all Special Protection Unit personnel posted on escort /guard duties attached to the Secretary to the Rivers State Government and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, leaving only an orderly each, with immediate effect. Ensure strict compliance please.”