The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has asked all policemen in the Force to declare their assets in accordance with the provisions of the law, saying it is part of efforts to rid the force of bad eggs.
He added that it had become necessary for policemen to do so given the role the police play in ensuring compliance with the nation’s laws, including code of conduct.
“You must declare your assets because as policemen we are the ones checking the vices, so we cannot be part of those increasing the vices in the society and I still stand by my word,” he said.
Speaking when he received members of Nigerians Unite Against Terror, anti-terrorism civil rights organisation, led by its convener, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office, the police boss advised policemen who contravene their code of conduct to repent, saying his administration would go tough on them.
He said, “I have declared my assets even before and after I became I-G of police and every policeman must declare their assets because it is a constitutional requirement.
“What kills most Nigerians is lack of contentment; you will see somebody amassing wealth that he and even his grandchildren do not need throughout their lifetime. I don’t know what drives people like that. For me, I believe that with contentment, you will have peace of mind. We are going to be very tough on our police officers who go outside our code of conduct.”
Idris further noted that the image of the police had improved going by the recent ranking by a Briton, Bob Arnold, whose independent assessment of the Nigerian Police Force “within the perception of the public”, gave a 98 per cent score, saying they would have to improve on their performance.
The police boss said he would set up a special committee comprising the police and members of the civil society organisations to interface and work towards drafting a strategy on how to improve the public image of the police.
He added, “If we put our hands together, we are going to address more of these issues, particularly the need for the public to appreciate our police force and the need for the police to consider the interest of the public. The fundamental human rights of every citizen of this country should be protected and we are the best institution that you will meet because we have a noble cause of protecting lives and properties of every citizen.”
Source: The Punch
