Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my distinct honor to stand before you as your new Inspector General of Police. I'm both excited and humbled by this privilege to serve this outstanding and distinguished organization and our country, Nigeria.
I want to thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, and the people of Nigeria for the confidence reposed in me, and for the opportunity to become an active participant and leader in the fight against crime in our great country.
I have been in the service of the Nigeria Police Force for almost 30 years, and I can say with all certainty that it is one of the noblest professions of humanity to undertake. I have gained valuable insight and experience to appreciate the challenges the Police and the country are facing. It is based on these experiences that I intend to formulate a vision and strategy for leading the Force to its prime.
My experience teaches me that policing has changed, and is still changing. Policing is no more about arresting, investigating and prosecution only. The responsibility of the Police in a democracy transcends these traditional roles, to expectations in ensuring a stable democracy, conducive to good governance; creating an enabling environment for economic development; and providing acceptable basic service delivery for the people of our country.
At this juncture, I want to thank my predecessors, especially the immediate past IGP, M.D. Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, for their commitment to the Nigeria Police Force and, especially to the nation; and for laying a solid foundation for policing in Nigeria. Whilst it is not our intention to reinvent the wheel, we intend to build on those positive aspects that are firmly entrenched and to reinvigorate those areas where giant strides are expected.
It is, however, also necessary to give attention to specific issues that are of critical concern to the nation and the police.
As the leading law enforcement institution in Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force is daily in the limelight. Whatever we do, and do not do, attracts attention. However, as a progressive organization, we take very kindly criticisms and accept the responsibility to address our challenges and remedy our shortcomings. The plain truth remains that no one is more critical of the Nigeria Police Force than itself. Our leadership shall be self-searching, as we continually aspire to keep our country safe by working with, for and through the communities.
The recent upsurge in security challenges will have my full attention. I am committed to address these issues and reaffirm the high standards of performance for which the Nigeria Police is nationally and internationally acclaimed.
In consonance with the President’s Transformation Agenda, I will develop and implement constructive policing strategies for the maintenance of a stable democracy and economic growth.
My team will also ensure that:
* Policing becomes truly intelligence-led;
* Law enforcement and crime prevention initiatives are integrated and supportive of each other;
* Police service delivery and maximum impact are achieved with least in-convinience to the people;
* The Nigeria Police Force focuses on priorities, and that resources are diligently managed and equitably distributed in terms of these priorities;
* Community policing partnerships and relationships are built with communities, and that communities become an integral component of our policing approach;
* The Nigeria Police Force is re-aligned, through restructuring, devolvement and delegation of powers to ensure efficient implementation of public safety policies;
* Effective policing in target areas is made sustainable, and that capacity development is sustained so that we do not engage in “fire fighting exercises”; and
* Senior police officers are held accountable for their actions and inactions, by means of performance contracts and indicators, with clear deliverables which will be closely monitored.
To my fellow police officers, I have learned over the years that it is desirable for all police officers to always exhibit professional humanitarianism in the discharge of duty. This makes the police more respected and acceptable within the community. Therefore, placing a high priority on compassion in the course of policing our communities is what I advocate to officers.
Let me state that I am committed to the creation of a safe and secure environment for all the people of Nigeria, by leading the Nigeria Police Force in engineering and participating in endeavours to address the root causes of crime in Nigeria; preventing actions that threaten the safety and security of Nigeria; and conducting diligent criminal investigation to ensure criminals are always brought to justice. Whilst in pursuit of these noble objectives, I shall at all times, uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, be guided by the needs and concerns of Nigerians; recognize and ensure the welfare of all Police officers; respect and protect human rights; cooperate with other security agencies and governments at all levels in the country, in order to achieve a safe and secure environment for everyone living in Nigeria.
In conclusion, my vision is to make the Nigeria Police Force a leading national, professional, and efficient law enforcement organization. A police force that is dynamic, robust and efficient; one that never rests or abdicate its professional duty; that studies and analyzes what works and what doesn't, acknowledges and learns from its mistakes, and celebrates its victories.
This is, indeed, our opportunity to redefine and rededicate our focus on our highest mission, which is to assuredly avail unfailing public safety service to the citizens of Nigeria. All aspects of our service will be centred on the values of Hardwork, Honesty and Humility –the triple H.
I solicit the cooperation of all Nigerians in the service of our mother-land.
Thank you for the attention.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
God bless the Nigeria Police Force.
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