BY ABUCHI IFESINACHI, AWKA
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase has called for professionalism amongst members of Nigeria police noting that any thing short of that would be disastrous.
The IGP who stated this at Anambra State police headquarters, Amawbia, when he paid a courtesy call to the command.
In his address, he encouraged his colleagues in the police force to acquire knowledge as it was the prime thing that would determine how far and well they fare in their profession.
He said his administration was out to encourage any policeman that shows interest in furthering his education by posting such to a place where they could be studying as well as practicing.
Arase said his administration was set to redress with them those peculiar challenges they are having in the State.
Speaking further, Solomon Arase said his office has discovered that Anambra police was notorious for mercantile policing.
He promised that his administration was set to establish a new police vision/ mindset. He added that he was allergic to corruption and was poised to restore the dignity of the police force. IG Arase sternly warned his colleagues to eschew the habit of setting up road blocks in the state.
On the issue of commercialization of bail, the Inspector General of Police announced he has set up intelligence policing to train them on how to gather information, arrest, and the need to keep away from intervention on land matters as well as adopt alternative peaceful resolution when they embark on arrest.
He revealed that the police cannot grant permit on land transaction as that is the s ole concern of lawyers. He advocated for international test practices must be adopted as it would help them find out criminal action against one upon arrest.
The IG made it clear that members of the force with deviant behaviours shall henceforth be set free accordingly while those of criminality like kidnapping, robbery shall be apprehended and properly tried. He said his desire is for the force to be accountable in their actions.
He added that the habit of misuse of firearms shall be dealt with, especially by the Special Armed Robbery Squad.
He added that the habit of misuse of firearms shall be dealt with, especially by the Special Armed Robbery Squad.
Solomon Arase called for the withdrawal of all policemen on non-assigned posting and the immediate cessation of the practice of carrying bag for civilians or doing other domestic duties for civilians while on duty.
Speaking on police welfare, the Inspector General promised a good package for the policemen and have already set up modalities for them to get enough through mortgage bank.
He insisted that these welfare policies must be tied to good ethical standards, policies, traffic rules and discipline. Solomon Arase asserted that no policeman is immune to the law.
He promised that he would push the police force forward and not indulge in any act that would bring the force to disrepute.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police CP H.H. Karma introduced the Inspector General of Police as an
'Unassuming gentleman officer, an embodiment of professionalism, resourcefulness, discipline, sagacity and intellectualism,' he said.
Karma announced the support of the State governor for the police force through the donation of over 100 patrol vehicles, prompt payment of allowances to men on special internal security operation, donation of horses, to mention but a few.
He implored the IG to help him thank the executive governor, Chief Willie Obiano. He shared some of the challenges that the force is facing such as lack of a befitting headquarter in the state.
Highlights of the event were the uproar from the policemen present at the event as the IGP announced the upgrading of rank of not a few policemen present including the sentry that attended to him on arrival, the restoration of Obot Okon’s rank (Corporal), a session for laying of complaints to the Inspector General of Police by some police officers, which complaints were addressed by the IGP instantly.