…Says property undergoing remodelling and reconstruction
BY EVELYN DADU, ABUJA – The Nigeria Police Force has debunked publication in some sections of the media alleging plots by the Inspector-General of Police to sell-off its Officers’ Mess located at Onikan, Lagos.
The Police high command in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba said that the story is totally false.
CP Mba explained that the Nigeria Police Officers’ Mess, Onikan, conceived decades ago, was built to cater for the welfare of Police Officers, provide transit accommodation for Officers on transfer or on special assignments and provide a conducive social environment suitable for their relaxation.
He further said that over time however, the property has degenerated and shown structural defects requiring a massive renovation or outright rebuilding.
According to Mba; “In a bid to restore its lost glory, provide a modern and befitting Officers’ Mess and tackle the defects of the old structure, the Police Management Team took a decision to upgrade the existing Officers’ Mess to a world-class edifice.
“Upon completion, the project which is wholly owned and financed by the Police would provide one of the most aesthetically satisfying facilities on the Onikan waterfront and serve to improve social interaction between members of the Police Force and the general public”.
The Force PPRO said that it would have been unnecessary to respond to what he described as “the deliberate misinformation, falsehood and outright mischief” by the authors of the publications but his response is necessitated by the need to set the records straight and halt the intended damage to a well-thought-out project and another orchestrated plan to wrongfully attack the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
Mba said the IGP therefore enjoined well-meaning Nigerians to disregard the misinformation while members of the press should beware of rumour-mongering and the activities of those who aim to disparage and discredit well-thought-out projects.
