The Ibom Future Leaders Forum (IFLF) has declared its support for the Akwa Ibom State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Geraldine Abetianbe, describing her as a transparent, detribalised and result-oriented leader.
The group also condemned what it described as a coordinated campaign of misinformation and defamation allegedly targeted at the commandant, urging the public to disregard what it called unfounded allegations.
Speaking at a press briefing in Uyo, the Chairman of the IFLF Board of Trustees, Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, alongside the Acting National President of the forum, Comrade Kufre Nathan, said Commandant Abetianbe has demonstrated professionalism, accountability and commitment to protecting critical national assets since assuming office.
According to Johnny, the commandant has distinguished herself through inclusive leadership, integrity and dedication to duty.
“Commandant Abetianbe is a leader who does not believe in tribalism, discrimination or corruption. She has brought renewed energy, transparency and people-oriented leadership to the Akwa Ibom State Command of the NSCDC,” he said.
The forum stressed that the NSCDC is a federal security agency with nationwide operations across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas and that personnel deployment is guided by competence and the federal character principle rather than ethnicity.
The group noted that most strategic departments within the Akwa Ibom State Command are currently headed by indigenes of the state, while only a few positions are occupied by officers from outside Akwa Ibom.
Addressing allegations of financial misconduct, the forum maintained that the command’s finance department is managed by qualified professionals and dismissed claims of financial impropriety as baseless.
The IFLF also refuted claims regarding the leadership of the Anti-Vandal Unit, stating that SP Michael Asibor was redeployed from the Akwa Ibom Command in 2025 and is no longer in charge of the unit. It identified SC Akan Ekanem as the current head of the Anti-Vandal Unit.
On issues relating to staff welfare, the forum explained that the welfare scheme in question predated Commandant Abetianbe’s assumption of office. It said the scheme was discontinued after personnel expressed dissatisfaction with its operation, adding that the decision was taken in the interest of fairness.
The group commended the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, for deploying what it described as a competent and people-focused officer to lead the Akwa Ibom State Command.
It further attributed the prevailing peace and security in the state, in part, to the contributions of the NSCDC under Abetianbe’s leadership.
The forum warned individuals allegedly responsible for circulating false information against the commandant to desist, stating that it would seek legal redress if the campaign continues.
According to the group, it would petition the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre to investigate and prosecute anyone found to be involved in defamation, cyberstalking or acts capable of causing a breach of public peace.
The IFLF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting public officials it considers to have performed creditably and pledged continued collaboration with the NSCDC and other security agencies to sustain peace and security in Akwa Ibom State.
The organisation also urged journalists and members of the public to verify information through the NSCDC Akwa Ibom State Command’s Public Relations Office before publishing or sharing reports, in line with the principle of fair hearing.
