8th February, 2012
The Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has told Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to live up to expectations, warning them that excuses would not be accepted for non-performance.
Abubakar, who issued the warning at a meeting with the DCPs on Tuesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, said the time for excuses was over as the new era in the force demanded hard work and results.
The IG reminded DCPs that they occupied strategic and sensitive positions at their commands, adding that the effect of their postings had not been felt over the years either as a result of their complacence or administrative deficiency.
“Whatever be the case, let me state categorically that the time for excuses is over and we are now in an era that demand results.
“This administration will not tolerate incompetence, docility, shirking of responsibility, corruption and the lackadaisical attitude that have characterised policing in this country. ”
Abubakar, who advised the police chiefs against rivalry with their commissioners, however, charged them as second in command to support their CPs to achieve results.
“Commissioners of Police will not take the blame alone but DCPs and Area Commanders. No rivalry, you must work together, enforce discipline and give complements, failure to complement your superior will now attract query.
“Deputy Commissioners of Police must take their positions in their Commands and advise their Commissioners appropriately in all matters concerning the command.
“Other senior officers must be taken to task on the core mandate of policing in all commands of the force, discipline must be restored, police ethics and code of conduct and proper supervisory standards and principles instituted.”
He said that incompetent DCPs would be removed from their positions and have same reflected in their service records.
Abubakar said that some of the DCPs might soon be elevated but stated that he would not make incompetent officers to take charge of state commands.
“In spite of the consequence, I will do what is right, posting will be based on competence. ‘’
The IG disclosed that he had set up a committee which would go round various commands to monitor the conduct of officers, adding that any command found wanting would be restructured.
Abubakar restated the difficulty of the task ahead, saying that he was committed to improving internal security as well as the image of the force.
He decried a situation where the military had to provide security for the police in the face of the current security challenges.
“It is shameful for us to bring the military to provide us security. It is failure on our own part.”
He said that the police had not met public expectations as a result of various factors, including internal shortcomings and external factors.