The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Usman Akali Baba, has received praise from the non-governmental Save Life & Care Foundation for his unique policing initiative.
Elections in Nigeria are known to be violent, so it is quite surprising how the current IGP, who led other security agencies, successfully conducted the gubernatorial elections in the states of Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun without violence, said the SLCF President, Mr. Ihuoma Remy Denis, at a press conference at his office in Apapa, Lagos.
There was no complaint, and no police officer received a reprimand for any wrongdoing. The Police Service Commission (PSC), under the capable leadership of Alhaji Musiliu Smith, was fortunate to be there in all three states to oversee police behaviour, but the Force under the leadership of Baba carried out its duties admirably and faultlessly.
This demonstrates that the IGP will perform well and provide the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with maximum security to conduct free and fair elections provided politicians give peace a chance and permit the 2023 General Elections to go place.
“In my own way, when someone, especially in the position of service performs well, we should commend the person to encourage and propel him or her to do more. Yet, again, I want to also commend the IGP, for the inauguration of a high-powered Committee to review documents from the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and provide necessary information for the effective functioning of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in the country.
The Committee which comprises 21 notable, highly dedicated, and experienced Officers of the Nigeria Police Force drawn based on their professionalism and specialization, was inaugurated at the IGP Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Friday.
According to Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, “the Committee, headed by DCP Adegbite Olaolu, would equally provide data on Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter Financing Terrorism (CFT), and Counter Proliferation Finance (CPF) to determine the level of the nation’s implementation of the strategic modalities emplaced to tackle insecurity and financial crimes in tandem with international best practice, and its report to be submitted within one week.
“The decision of the IGP is a right step in the right direction, considering the bad name that Nigeria receives every time from international organizations. The Committee will do fantastically well in the fight against financial crimes. Yet in another development, the IGP brought back pride to the battered image of the Force as he does not waste time in disciplining officers who engage in corrupt practices.
“For instance, he did not waste time in fishing out and dismissing Police Inspector, Richard Gele, who was caught in a viral video dignifying and justifying extortion of members of the public and official corruption.
In a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi,” the Inspector, with AP/No. 188547, who until his dismissal, was attached to Police Mobile Force 77 Squadron, Okene, Kogi State, and deployed to the Itobe – Anyigba Road, for safety of road users and commuters, along the route, where the incident occurred.
“The dismissed Inspector who hails from Benue State, was enlisted into the Force in September, 2000. His dismissal came after subjection to internal disciplinary mechanism and being found wanting of the charges levelled against him in line with extant laws governing the conduct of police personnel. He, therefore,ceases to be a member of the Nigeria Police Force, with immediate effect.
The officer has been de-kitted and handed over to the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State, for further necessary action.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, while expressing the staunch commitment of his administration at bequeathing policing standards in tandem with international best practices to the nation, warned all personnel to eschew extortion, unprofessionalism, official corruption and other inappropriate acts.
The IGP urged them to display exemplary courage and patriotism in the discharge of their duties”.
According to President, Save Life &Care Foundation, Denis, the IGP has changed the narratives and the doubt from the public whether the police was still a disciplinary organization or not, members of the public now know that the present IGP, does not habour indiscipline.
His policing drive is really unprecedented”.