The Acting Inspector General of Police, Egbetokun Olukayode Adeolu, has officially assumed duty today, pledging to clear salary arrears of constables.
He was appointed by the President June 19, 2023. He took over from IGP Usman Alkali Baba, who retired after 35years of service to the nation.
The handing/taking over of leadership between the former and new Police Chief was held in a brief but colourful ceremony at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The event was climaxed with the symbolic handover of the Nigeria National and Police flags.
The new IGP, who is the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police, appreciated the President, for the confidence reposed in him stressing that the appointment is a commitment, a calling to make a difference in the shared mission to safeguard the lives and well-being of everyone that lives in our great country.
In his inaugural speech, the IGP vowed to clear salary arrears being owed Constables of the police.
He also pledged to uphold the rule of law.
According to him, “Today, I am before you with great honour and a profound sense of responsibility as the newly appointed Inspector General of Police of Nigeria. I am most humbled by this opportunity to serve our great nation, and I am fully committed to upholding the ideals of justice, security, and the rule of law.
“I want to thank Mr. President and Commander in Chief, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in me by appointing me to this position. Being appointed as the Inspector General of Police is not just a title for me; it is a commitment and a calling to make a difference.
“I am here not as an individual but as a representative of a dedicated team united in our shared mission to safeguard the lives and well-being of everyone that lives in our great country. Together, we will strive to build a police force that reflects the values and aspirations of the people we serve.
“Nigeria, our beloved country, is at a critical juncture in its history. We face numerous challenges that require the concerted efforts of every citizen to overcome. As the Inspector General of Police, I firmly believe that our path to a brighter future lies in collaboration, transparency, and the reformation of our law enforcement delivery system.
“First and foremost, I acknowledge our citizens’ deep-rooted concerns and grievances against the police. It is no secret that the Nigerian Police Force has faced its fair share of criticism in the past. Instances of misconduct, corruption, and abuse of power have eroded public trust. I am before you today to declare that such behaviour will not be tolerated under my watch and there will be proactive steps to instill discipline across the ranks.
“Accountability will be the cornerstone of my tenure as the Inspector General of Police. I am committed to fostering a culture of professionalism, integrity, and respect within the Police Force. We will prioritize new ways of recruiting, training, and equipping our officers to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties efficiently, and with excellence and this we will do to the admiration of the people that we serve.
“To regain the trust of the Nigerian people, we will establish a robust internal system to investigate allegations of misconduct within the Police Force. We will hold accountable those who betray the public’s trust amongst us, ensuring that they face the full force of the law. Additionally, we will actively promote a working culture that will encourage officers and citizens alike to report instances of corruption or abuse they may witness.
“Our Police Force will be a beacon of integrity. We will hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. Henceforth, every police officer will be selected not only for their skills but also for their compassion, empathy, and commitment to public service. We will invest in innovative ways to foster ongoing training, promoting a culture of continuous learning where we adapt to the evolving needs of our communities and the challenges of our times.
“Furthermore, we will embark on an ambitious and visible program of community policing. We recognize that the true measure of our success lies in the safety and well-being of our communities. To achieve this, we will forge stronger ties between the police and the public, fostering an environment of mutual trust and cooperation. Regular citizen engagement and community interaction programs will create meaningful dialogue and collaboration opportunities.
“Change does not happen overnight, but with each step, we will be closer to our vision of a safe, inclusive, and harmonious nation. I ask you to join hands with us, to stand beside us, as we navigate the challenges that lie ahead. Together, we can build a police force that reflects the hopes and dreams of our citizens.
“Let us rekindle the spirit of unity, understanding that we are all in this together. Let us be the change we want to see, inspiring others through our actions and embracing the power of compassion, respect, and empathy. Through this collective effort, we will create a legacy worthy of future emulation.
“The fight against crime and insecurity will also be a top priority as well as the welfare of our officers. We will strengthen our intelligence-gathering capabilities, bolster inter-agency cooperation, and enhance our capacity to respond swiftly to emerging security threats. In the coming days and weeks, we will unveil plans and strategies to secure the nation and build enduring peace across our communities.
“We are the Nigeria Police Force and we will live up to our constitutional obligation as the primary agency for internal peace in Nigeria. We will be bold about this duty. We will also adopt a technology-driven approach to law enforcement, leveraging modern tools and techniques to ensure the effective and efficient deployment of our resources.
“New policies to promote the welfare of officers will be implemented in the months ahead. We will provide support structures for our police officers that will cater for their peculiar physical, psychological and emotional needs as law enforcement officers. We will introduce unprecedented well-being programs to strengthen the hearts and minds of every officer.
“Lastly, I call upon all Nigerians to partner with us in this transformative journey. The challenges we face are not insurmountable if we stand together as a united front. I encourage every Nigerian to embrace civic duty, report suspicious activities, and work hand in hand with the police to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria for all.
“In conclusion, let me reiterate my unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, security, and the rule of law. The Nigeria Police Force, under my leadership, will strive for excellence, transparency, and accountability. Together, we will rebuild public trust, restore confidence in our law enforcement institutions, and create a Nigeria where every citizen feels safe, protected, and respected.
“In the coming days, I will unveil new tactics to release the great potential of the Nigeria Police Force. We will secure this nation, we will build lasting peace, and we will deliver on the vision of Mr. President.”