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New IG sets agenda
Tobi Soniyi and Bukola Ojeme, Abuja
The new Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero, on Tuesday outlined a six-point plan for his office.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, he said the plan was still in its draft form, and was being considered by the Deputy Inspectors-General.
He said the police would not hoard information under his administration.
Ehindero said, “There are certain issues we have to address. We have to address the issue of professionalism in the police force. We have to train our men on how to relate with members of the public.
“We have to minimise cases where our boys on the roads manhandle people.”
He said members of the public had had to burn down police stations in the past because they were not satisfied with the quality of service provided.
“I intend to mobilise not only the academia, but also a cross-section of the Nigerian public on how we can prevent rows between the police and the public,” he added.
The police chief promised to look at the issue of crime control, which he said was at the heart of the criminal justice system.
He said that robbery cases would be tackled headlong, adding, “We have to look at our mobile forces, I think we need a lot of reorganization in the mobile force.
“We do not need tailors and carpenters in our mobile force.
“All the squadron commanders would be directed to take a census of the people in the mobile, with a view to weeding out those people who were not supposed to be there.
“Constables who have served for not more than three years are not supposed to be in the mobile.”
Ehindero also said the image of the force would have to be improved upon, not through laundering but rather by examining the way the force relates with the public.
He explained, “A philosopher said, ‘take everything that I have but leave my image intact, because if you take my image and leave me with everything, I have nothing.’
“ I am more than ever prepared to deal with errant policemen and I am sure my DIGs will support me.”
The IG expressed concern at what policemen do at checkpoints, citing the nation’s border with Benin Republic as an example.
He said he would pay attention to intelligence gathering, adding, “We must put square pegs in square holes.”
He said the force had the manpower to carry out a thorough investigation of crimes.
“Nobody would be posted to the Force Criminal Investigation Department unless he has something to offer,” he added.
He said criminals had become sophisticated and crime prevention also had to be sophisticated.
The police chief said the force’s forensic laboratory would be revamped.
He noted that it should be possible to take fingerprints and make comparison within 24 hours.
He also said he would continue with the legacies of Balogun on the welfare programme for the force.
“From time to time, I will be consulting with the immediate past IG until the handover is completed.”
The Punch, Wednesday, January 19, 2005
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