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Folake Sokoya
Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of ICT, DIG Folorunsho Adebanjo on Tuesday, urged policemen not to be tagged as a corrupt and lazy officer.
The DIG made the statement while addressing policemen during a visit to the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja.
“As a police officer, there are two things you should not associate yourself with, do not be tagged as a corrupt or lazy policeman because if you are lazy, you will not be able to contribute to the safety of the country and if you are corrupt, it is a very quick way of loosing your job.
“Do the job conscientiously and you will not regret. Some people believe you Ned to be corrupt before you become rich which is not true.” he said.
Adebanjo commended policemen of the Lagos State Command for their maturity in handling issues and added that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has also promise to improve the welfare of police officers.
“The IG management team already met with credible developers to build affordable houses for police officers. Efforts are also being made to strengthen the health insurance scheme.” He said.
He added that no doubt, the police is short staffed considering the challenges faced and gave assurance of recruitment.
While urging officers to be of good character, he warned that any officer involved in accidental discharge will face the law.
” The question I want to ask is that what is your contribution to security?, are you a change agent or part of those ruining the nation? Detention of suspects should not be more than 24hours except on heinous crimes, officers’ mental state must be ascertained before they are entrusted with arms.” He told the officers.
” Police alone cannot do the security job, we need the support of everybody. All security agencies should synergize, there should be no rivalry as we are all working for the government and the safety of the public.
“Attitude of police officers to the public must be must be the best as every member of the public should not be seen as a criminal.You are all public relation officers of the Nigeria Police and you must conduct yourself appropriately.” he said.
He stated further that police remains a friend to the public because there is no other definition of friendship than that of someone who is ready to give his life in protection of another.
Referring to the Isawo killing of four policemen and an army Captain, the DIG said that some arrests had been made and that the killers will not go scotfree.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni appreciated the commendation of the DIG saying that the command will not relent notwithstanding the challenges.
Owoseni added that the command is also strategizing to make sure that the killers of the four policemen and an army captain at Isawo, Ikorodunis brought to book.
He said that the command’s staff strength may appear large but the command needs more men.
“Our staff strength of about 31,000 policemen may appear large but we demand for more because the demand for our services increases by the day.
“Notwithstanding our challenges faced, we will make sure that we have a police that respects the right of the citizen in accordance with the rule of law and forging a new partnership as a friend of members of the public.
“We are very lucky to have a state government that is supportive of our operations including the traditional institution, the public and the press.” he said.
