The Acting Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Mohammed Adamu has identified the absence of transparent, knowledgeable, accountable and motivational leadership as the problem of policing in Nigeria.
Adamu who disclosed this in Abuja after the baton of leadership was officially handed over to him by the immediate past IGP, Ibrahim Idris however said his appointment represents a charge to restore the image of the Force.
Before the ceremony, Idris and Adamu walked into the Conference room around 11:03 am. They were welcomed by the members of the police management team comprising seven Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and one Assistant Inspector General of Police, other senior police officers and well-wishers.
Idris who wore cream colour caftan and black cap spoke before handing over to Adamu. He said: “We are here in the handing over ceremony. I have served in the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years. By the grace of God, I retired yesterday and this is going to be my final departure ceremony from the Police Force.
“I want to thank all the officers present here for the support you have given me and for all we have done together to make Nigeria Police Force great. We have tried our best during my time and during that period, you have given me maximum support. I want to thank everyone from the rank of the Constable to the highest rank of the Deputy Inspector General of Police.
“Let me thank all of you for your commitment and dedication to your country. Like I said, I am here to hand over the baton of leadership to my colleague and friend who is going to take over as the 20th IGP for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I wish him all the best.”
After the baton was handed over to Adamu, Idris was escorted out of the conference by the new Ag. IG, the DIGs, AIGs and other senior police officers.
He immediately returned with the seven DIGs and other senior officers to deliver his maiden address.
Speaking after the baton of leadership was officially handed over to him, Adamu said he was determined to combine his national and international policing exposure to bridge the missing link in the Force.
According to him: It is with total reverence of the Almighty Allah (SWT) and deep appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who considered me worthy of appointment that I humbly address you today as the 20th indigenous Inspector General of Police.
“My appointment represents a call to duty and a charge to restore the dwindling primacy of the Nigeria Police Force within the internal security architecture of our beloved country. Ladies and gentlemen, commanding the largest Police Force in Africa, particularly, at this crucial time that the country is faced with multi-faceted security challenges and at the peak of preparations for the general elections, is undoubtedly an arduous task.
“However, it remains a fact that the Force is blessed with some of the finest officers anywhere in the world that are not only intellectually gifted and exceptionally dedicated, but professionally sound enough to surmount these tasks if the right leadership is provided.
“Amongst you seated in this hall today are some of such thorough-bred and passionate professionals who can hold their own among their peers, and have consistently distinguished themselves in complex national and international engagements.”
THE NATION
Be the first to comment