By Charles Ayodele
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Southwest Zone Nigeria, D.I.G Sylvester Biodun Alabi has called on well-meaming individuals in Nigeria and other critical stakeholders to always assist the police in fighting against crimes and criminalities in the country.
The Police Chief made the appeal on Monday while addressing officers and men of the force, including critical stakeholders at the Ekiti State Command Headquarters, Ado-Ekiti.
The D.I.G said his visit to Ekiti State was at the instance of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun who directed the D.I.Gs in charge of the six geopolitical zones in the country to embark on tour of their zones to assess the strategic deployment of the officers, interact and interface with all officers in all the commands in the various zones, including critical stakeholders who are in partnership with the force to ensure proactive handling of crimes and criminalities.
He commended the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Akinwale Kunle Adeniran, and his officers for the level they have reduced the incidents of crimes and other social vices in the State. The police boss said statistics shows that Ekiti is the most peaceful State in the country. ” I am happy with what has been happening in the Ekiti Police Command.”
Alabi described security challenges as a global phenomenon that is not peculiar to Nigeria. Adding that even societies with high-tech level of development once in a while were faced with one challenge or another. He noted that with little resources at the disposal of the command the officers no doubt are doing their best.
But according to the D.I.G. it is not yet enough, urging them not to rest on their oars but to keep on working assiduously to ensure that the tempo of crime reduction is sustained. “Strive hard to ensure that we have zero level of crime in Ekiti State. It’s possible particularly in collaboration and synergy with all critical stakeholders in our various communities. Our traditional rulers are very important as the custodians of traditions and values. They can prevent crimes from occurring”
He emphasized the essence of community policing, describing it as a good approach to imbibe to make the various communities crime-free. The Southwest zonal Coordinating police chief remarked that the police cannot do the job alone without the contributions of the stakeholders.
Alabi further admonishes the officers and men, ” It is essential that we remain steadfast in our commitment. As officers we must exhibit highest level of discipline in all aspects of our work. This means adhering strictly to the rules and regulations guiding our conduct. It is important that we earn the respect of the communities that we serve. Remember our actions and behaviour reflect not only on ourselves but on the entire force. Let’s try to be exemplary in our conduct reflecting the standard that we aspire to follow”.
He reminded them that there is no substitute for hard work as the profession demands it and the nation expects it. Hence, the need to approach their duties with a sense of purpose and dedication knowing that the safety and wellbeing of fellow citizens depend on all their efforts.
“This means being vigilant, proactive and thorough in everything we do. Hard work also entails continuous self-improvement. The challenges that we are facing today are ever evolving, and we should redouble our spirit, knowledge and intellect, and know how to take opportunities of the trainings that come our way so that we can stay informed of all the latest developments and always ready to enhance your performance”
He implored his subjects to treat every citizen with respect and dignity regardless of their background or circumstances, pointing out that it is the duty of the police to protect and serve, not to intimidate or abuse.
On communication, he posits, “effective communication with the public is vital and we should always empathize with them when the need arises. Listen to the concerns of these people and address their needs and work collaboratively with the communities that we serve. Building positive relationships with the public fosters closer cooperation which are essential for effective policing. Let’s try to make the Nigeria police force as a place of excellence, integrity and service”.
