Hottestgistnaija.com
The function of constructive criticism is in part to hold states, institutions and personnels of state to account without reservations but it is also served in conceding reforms where they are propped by observable best intentions leaning on citizen’s driven agitation for change and systemic overhauls. It is in light of such conciliatory concessions that I write to commend the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the swift and decisive actions taken against erring officers all over the country. The expedited measures taken by the IGP to discipline and punish officers who have violated the law and the rights of the citizens are a clear indication of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership to uphold justice, equity and fairness.
IGP Usman Alkali Baba in recent times has clearly demonstrated leadership acumen and a sense of responsibility by ensuring that officers who have acted unlawfully are brought to book. We have witnessed the dismissal, demotion, and prosecution of officers who have been involved in criminal activities, ranging from extortion and brutality to extra-judicial killings. Such actions by the IGP will no doubt send a strong signal to other officers who may be contemplating similar actions that such behaviors will not be further tolerated in the Nigeria Police Force. Equally laudable is the emphasis on bringing not just unscrupulous elements of the Force to order but extending punitive actions against the commanders with direct oversight functions over notorioius police units. I find this policy trajectory wholesome and capable of instilling a healthy dread in superior officers who in turn would become much more vigilant and mindful of the officers in their command.
I also must state my appreciation of the recent directive by the IGP to all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to enforce the ban on the use of tinted glasses, unmarked, and covered number plates by unauthorized persons. This will go a long way in ensuring that criminals do not hide behind such tactics to perpetrate their nefarious activities, and on a lighter note, save some of us from craning our necks in vain to return the stony stares of opaque drivers.
The IGP’s efforts to revamp the Police Force are also noteworthy. The introduction of the “Eagle Eye” mobile application, which allows citizens to report cases of police misconduct and other crimes directly to the police high command, is a laudable initiative. The IGP has also launched a community policing program aimed at building trust between the police and citizens, thereby reducing crime and criminal activities in the society. These are policy defining initiatives capable of earning public trust and support, and engendering a new culture of shared community-policing which has long eluded the imaginations of past IGPs.
I urge the IGP to sustain the momentum of his reform initiatives and to continue to hold erring officers accountable for their actions. We also call on citizens to support the police in their efforts to ensure law and order in the society, and in this vein equally commend the bravery and cohesion of well-meaning members of the public and journalists who have deployed the ubiquitous digital space known simply as ‘social media’ to archive these wrongs and thus made it easy for remedy to be sought and applied.
All in all, the IGP have shown that the Nigeria Police Force can be transformed into a professional and efficient law enforcement agency that Nigerians can be proud of. I am optimistic that with the continued support of the government and citizens, the police force will become a formidable institution that will guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerians.
Finally, I commend the Nigerian Citizens and journalists for their continous vigilance in ensuring Nigeria remains a decent state where human rights is well respected. I concedes that it is unsual in our patronage system of government for public opinion and outcry to take centre-piece in the pre-occupation of state agencies. The reforms being pursued by the IGP, once sustained without reservations for sacred cows, would indeed woo public support and reposition the Nigeria Police for positive commentary and belief.
Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq., is a Legal Practitioner and the Managing Partner at Law Corridor, Abuja.
