HEAD of Renbel police Saukiu Bari Rush says he was surprised at the unannounced arrival of four Honiara-based police officers in the province on Thursday.
The four accompanied the ousted Renbel premier Lence Tango, and arrived on board a Solomon Airlines flight.
Mr Rush said normal procedures require that he must be informed of any officers visiting the province on official duties.
“But in this case, the four officers arrived unannounced,” he told the Solomon Star.
The four are Alfred Tesuatai (PMO Police Officer Guard), Nick Pongi, Leslie Puia and another officer whose name was not immediately known.
Mr Rush said after they disembarked, the four accompanied Mr Tango and went straight to the private residence of the former premier.
“I don’t know whether Mr Tango is still the premier or not but my concern lies with the four officers.
“According toprotocol,the provincial police commander of any province must be informed of any officers visiting his or her province before hand.
“In this case, I was not informed or briefed of their visit. This is questionable and not in line with police procedure,” Mr Rush said.
He said the four did not even show the courtesy of going into his office and briefing him about their trip.
“I called the acting police commissioner in Honiara about the arrival of these officers but even she did not know anything about it,” Mr Rush said.
When contacted, Mr Tango told the Solomon Star the officers were accompanying him to provide security while he tours the province.
“I wrote a letter to the deputy police commissioner seeking police assistance to accompany me to Rennell and was granted four officers,” Mr Tango said.
He said his trip is to explain to the people back home the political events that led to his ousting last week.
He added the officers are there with him to provide security while he tours the island.
It was not clear last night who paid for the officers’ airfares and other expenses.
By DENVER NEWTER
