Mohammed D. Abubakar (IGP)
Outgoing Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Mr. Emmanuel Ayeni, during his pull out ceremony in Jos on December, 9 blamed the Federal Government and the Inspector-General of Police for the poor performance of the force.
He described the current police reforms as cosmetic, saying they would not achieve the intended results.
Ayeni, who spoke in Jos on Monday at his pulling out ceremony, also called for the establishment of state police and the payment of N150, 000 as minimum wage in the police.
The police chief, who served the force for 32 years, likened the period as an adventure in “the valley of dried bones”.
Ayeni said, “On July 15, 1980, I started my career in the Nigeria Police. I was very young and focused. However looking back to that day, I can say that, though I give glory to God for what He has done for me; my career was an adventure in the valley of the dried bones.”
Ayeni, who will be succeeded by the former Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chris Olakpe, said the current reforms and promotion were arbitrary and subject to loyalty to the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission
The former commissioner blamed the Federal Government and the IG for the general apathy and low morale among officers and the rank and file of the police.
He particularly frowned on the retirement of 13 deputy and assistant inspectors general of police and their replacement with junior officers.
He said, “The ongoing reform in the police is extremely cosmetic and it cannot take the Nigeria Police to the next level. Frankly speaking, the White papers on various committees’ reports are not being properly implemented. We should embark on wholesome reforms that are properly implemented.
“There are rules governing promotion in the police. However in the name of police reforms, promotion is done with the coloration of heavy contract. The known criteria for promotion in Nigeria, particularly seniority and merit have been consigned to the dustbin of history.
Promotion now is a reward for parochial loyalty to IGP and Chairman of PSC
Culled from PUNCH