The constitutional role of the
police worldwide is acknowledged by society. The various constitutions and
statuses establishing this civil force have fundamental things in common. As
spelt out in the Code of Conduct and professional requirement of the Nigeria
Police force, the police are expected to keep social equilibrium, so far as
crime and social balance are concerned.
For instance, the code of conduct
and professional standards for police officers envision a holistic police force
that continuously work in tandem with good social norms which ensure a
corrupt-free, equity and justice to advance economic and social well being of
the State
For instance, the primary
responsibilities of a Police officer as spelt under the statute, is that he/she
is supposed to act as an official representative of government who is required
and trusted to work within the law.. His fundamental duties include serving the
community, safeguarding lives and property, protecting the innocent,
keeping the peace and ensuring the rights of all to liberty, equality and
justice.
Consequently, he is expected
to perform his duties impartially, without favor of affection or ill will and
without regard to status, sex, race, religion, political belief or aspiration.
All citizens are expected to be treated equally with courtesy, consideration
and dignity. Besides he is expected to exercise his discretion within the ambit
of law, including the use of force, confidentiality as well as maintain
integrity and collaborating with other security agencies to maximize public
good.
Despite these noble role
entrusted to the police, there has been several concerns over the years about
the conduct of this force. For the apparent cat and mouse relationship which
has been noticed between the force ad the public is a course of concern to social
architects. Instances ranging from miisdemeanours to outright felony
often perpetrated by bad eggs within the force, have demeaned the force
and weakened her capability to achieve its vision mission and expectations as
constitutionally envisioned.. This
Successive administrations of the
force have made frantic efforts, within their means to restore the waning
image. The current acting Inspector- General of Police (IGP), Mohammed
Abubakar, in his own way has introduced some mechanisms of curbing excesses of
his personnel which include removal of check points on our roads as well as
other broad based anti- corruption measures..
Indeed, the IG’s new code of
conduct, which was launched in early this year, contained standard policing
rules as well as contemporary international best practices in law enforcement
as available in various United Nations Conventions, the Nigeria constitution,
Police Act and Regulations and other domestic statutes. According to the force,
the initiative was designed to promote transparency, accountability and a
deeper sense of civilian oversight on police activities. It was also meant to
promote discipline, professionalism and strict adherence to due process in
police activities and operations. The recognition of efforts by police officers
serves to boost the morale of the personnel and to analysts, the initiative
will serve to motivate hardwork and dedication among those who are diligent.
The kernel of the IG’s
transformation agenda recently saw the recognition of the Divisional Police
Officer of Mpape Police station, CSP Oyobamiye Yomi Sorajude. Sorajude received
the Inspector General of Police Stations Visitors Week Award 2012 for the most
distinctive improvement police station of the year. His award which was
celebrated both at the Police Headquarters and at home was an epitome of
hardwork and dedication as attested to y both hs colleagues and the lay
community.
Commenting on the award by the
highest police hierarchy to the Mpape DPO, members of Mpape Community expressed
satisfaction that the officer really merited the award. Some of them, who spoke
to the Nigerian Pilot said the station which has been there for 28 years, have
experienced tremendous change both in terms of crime control and innovation,
saying the maxim “Police are your friend” has to a great measure found
expression under the DPO.
A community leader, Dr. Jimo
Obatoyimbo, said the DPO f Mpape has brought a lot of changes in the area, in
terms of crime reduction and tranquility in the community. He also confirmed the
police hierarchy’s stance maintaining that the DPO has done marked renovation
of the police station which has been there for the past 28 years.
The Ubatoyimbomi, who is also the
Chairman and Chief Executive of Prince Oil LTD Abuja, commended the force under
the IG Mohammed Abubakar, and assured that he will e ready to render his
widow’s mite in assisting the operations of the Division whenever they call on
him, as part of community collaboration.
Audu Isati, amog other residents of
the area lauded the efforts of Surajude. Isati specifically asserted that have
been very cordial relationship between the community and the police under the
leadership of the substantive DPO. The community commended the hard work of the
man, saying he often lead some operations personally, and has been a very
dogged person who” works 24 hours,” wondering when he goes to bed. This, they
said they were not surprised by the recognition accorded the DPO by the
Inspector General.
The resident who assured the police
of their support, also called on the Federal Government to factor into her
budget the training and retraining of the police to enable them cope up with
the dynamics of crimes bedeviling Nigeria.
In a chat with CSP Surajude, he
attributed his feat to God, saying he believes that God should take the glory.
He said the award was both a “challenge and call to service” and urged
his lieutenants and the youths to emulate hard work, since doing so will
definitely reap a good reward, if not immediately, it will e in future.
The Acting Inspector-General
of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, deserves commendation for his giant strides since
assuming office, especially in the area of anti-corruption. He should however be
told that he can’t fight corruption and expect corruption not to fight back.
For instance, those who have been benefitting from the multi-billion naira
‘checkpoint industry’ will not just fold their arms and watch their cash cow
led away. They will do everything possible to sabotage his efforts which may
include backing up and arming criminals to create an upsurge in organised
crime, thereby justifying the need to get back on Nigerian roads. Let him
therefore be proactive and devise ingenious and better means of fighting crime,
clip the wings of the many bad eggs in the police hierarchy that have turned
themselves into principalities and flush out the recalcitrant ones who will
never key in into his laudable plans for the police.
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