Benjamin Omoike l Monday, January 30, 2017
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu has taken a swipe at the way the police and policing generally in the country is being run; stating that the military killed the efficiency and performance of the police.
Speaking in Lagos on Monday, the monarch said the plethora of problems bedevilling the force today is not aelf-inflicted, but a result of forces outside and beyond the control of the police.
“Let me tell you the truth. It was the military that killed the efficiency and performance police. In 1984, I was the head of the police fighting force for years. I am happy that at this time we have someone who is willing and prepared to assist the Nigerian police.
“I want to urge the President to work with serious and open-minded people who will give the IG free hand to run the force.
“We are clamouring for community policing at the moment but I must tell you that it requires dedication, funds and men who are prepared to work,” he said.
On recent collapse of buildings in police barracks, he said the federal government needed to release funds to rehabilitate the barracks, many of which have become dilapidated.
He added that to curb crime, therw waa ned for some of the DPOs and other top police officers to live within the community they have been assigned to work.
The monarch frowned at the process of retirement of officers in the country, saying it was appalling.
“For someone to sit at the Police Service commission and determine who retires from the police is unfair. This is not how to run a very efficient police force.
“I remember that I was a victim of that circumstance; then Atiku, Daura and others sat down and advised the president that if he wants to win Lagos in 2003, I must be removed. It was written on paper.
“And in fairness to President Obasanjo, he argued that he knows nothing about it. And he had to send for the IG because the then Chief of Staff challenged the plan to retire me. Also, what they wanted to use former IG, Tafa Blogun for at the end of the day
“And that is why Alhaji Gambo is still bitter because he wanted balogun to disclose what the PDP wanted him to do in 2003. All those money they alleged he was possessing, it was some of them that contributed that money to him.
He concluded by saying the police service commission is a toothless bulldog.
“I have asked the officers who took the government to court to withdraw the suit. And go and claim their benefits.”
