CSO Defends Akwa Ibom NSCDC Commandant, Dismisses Misconduct Allegations

A civil society organisation, Ibom Future Leaders Forum (IFLF), has challenged allegations against the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), describing them as a campaign aimed at undermining the leadership of the command.

The group, while responding to what it termed a sponsored smear campaign against the state commandant, Commandant Geraldine Abetianbe, said the allegations bordering on tribalism, corruption and administrative misconduct were unfounded.

In a statement issued in Uyo and signed by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, and Acting National President, Comrade Kufre Nathan, the organisation said it was necessary to address the claims to prevent misinformation from affecting public confidence in the security agency.

Johnny said the commandant had demonstrated commitment to professionalism and accountability since assuming office, adding that the NSCDC under her leadership remained focused on its mandate of protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining public safety.

“Commandant Abetianbe is a leader who does not believe in tribalism, discrimination or corruption and can never be associated with such practices. She has brought renewed vigour, integrity and people-oriented leadership to the Akwa Ibom State Command of the NSCDC,” he stated.

The IFLF said Abetianbe’s leadership should be assessed based on performance and service delivery, noting that the NSCDC, as a federal agency with presence across the 774 local government areas of Nigeria, operates on the principles of competence and national spread.

The group said key departments within the Akwa Ibom State Command are headed by both indigenes and non-indigenes, stressing that appointments and responsibilities within the command should not be viewed through ethnic considerations.

It also dismissed allegations of financial recklessness, saying the finance department of the command is managed by qualified professionals.

The organisation further faulted claims that SP Michael Asibor currently heads the Anti-Vandal Unit of the command, stating that he was redeployed from Akwa Ibom in 2025. It identified SC Akan Ekanem as the current head of the unit.

On reports concerning a welfare scheme allegedly introduced by the commandant, the group said the arrangement existed before Abetianbe assumed office and was reviewed after personnel expressed concerns about its continuation.

The IFLF urged individuals with grievances against the command to use appropriate channels rather than resort to what it described as defamatory publications.

It also called on journalists and members of the public to verify information with the NSCDC Public Relations Office before publishing reports concerning the command.

The group warned that those behind what it described as false publications could face legal action, including petitions to relevant authorities over alleged defamation and cyber-related offences.