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The change we require in our Police Force, goes beyond what they wear/type or colour of uniform...It goes deeper into the psychy of each Law Enforcement Agent...They urgently require all the requisite trainings that would improve on their sense of accountability and responsibilty, not just to themselves alone, but the society and the entire Police Force...
Since his appointment as the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, has strived to assure Nigerians that he can succeed where his predecessors failed.
He reshuffled the states Commissioners of Police. Then he met with the Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, Divisional Police Officers, Divisional crime Officers and urged them to be committed to their jobs or face sanctions. Yet, Nigerians remained sceptical.
Then he came out with the introduction of a new camouflage uniform to transform the image and psyche of the police, and many people began to talk.
Findings by PUNCH Metro suggested that while a large number of Nigerians were not enthusiastic about it, many others were of the opinion that Abubakar might just succeed in changing public perception of the police for good.
Many of those who spoke to our correspondents were however united in their views. They said the most pressing need was the overhaul of the police.
A computer engineer, Ade Dahunsi, said since the uniform made the acting IG look smart, he expected that other policemen would look smart in it.
He said, “Appearance is everything. If you look smart, people will relate with you with respect and I will support any effort by the IG to earn respect for policemen. Once mutual respect is established, I don’t think there will be mutual hatred anymore.”
Another respondent, Andrew Mat, said the IG had earned the support of many Nigerians since he assumed of office.
He said, “For instance the removal of checkpoints has endeared him to us. I think the feeling we have for him is gradually being extended to policemen and the new uniform is another strategy to cement that.
“The new uniform can change the mind of Nigerians to love their policemen. It is a matter of psychology and leadership. But that can also be encouraged if the police leadership take the welfare of their men more serious and pay attention to merit.”
An official of the National Youth Service Scheme, Mr. Ayodeji Olofintuabo, said the uniform change was a right step.
Olofintuabo said, “Changing the police uniform is one of the reforms that must be done in the police. There cannot be any meaningful reform in the force without changing that uniform.
“The problem is that there have been so many things associated with the colour of the police uniform. When you see a policeman in Nigeria, you see corruption, mistrust and danger. Another thing is that the black colour does not make them look smart, disciplined and friendly.” He added that the black colour of the police uniform had a negative effect on the psyche of Nigerians.
Wole Eniayewu agreed that the new police uniform was a good one but argued that the IG should have focused more on the welfare of his officers and men before the introduction of any new form of uniform.
A policewoman, who holds a senior position in the Lagos command, told our correspondent on condition of anonymity that the initiative was welcome but stressed the need for it go round.
She said, “It’s a good idea by the IGP in that it looks more rugged and less official due to its camouflage characteristics.
“However, the police authorities should ensure that the uniforms are made available to every cadre of the force.”
However, a secondary school teacher, Mr. Okechukwu Akuegbu, believed the uniform would increase the excesses of policemen.
He said, “Why do the police need a uniform that looks like a military uniform. It is obviously to learn earn more respect from civilians. But we all know the kind of people we have in the police force. Their ego would become bigger with this kind of uniform.”
A civil servant, Mr. Joseph Ogundeyi, was of the opinion that the IG should have concentrated on training and welfare of policemen before introducing the new uniform.
Ogundeyi said, “My father was a policeman, and during his time, they had respect for human lives.
“The kind of policemen we have presently have little or no training on how to handle civilians. The concern at this point should have been training them on international practice of law enforcement.”
For, Remi Shittu, a businessman, the introduction of the new uniform, which is mixture of black, white and ash colours, was hasty.
Shittu said, “I appreciate the IG’s drive to reform the Nigeria Police to enable it perform its constitutional duties. But reforming the police goes beyond uniforms. The problem with the police is their attitude not their uniform.”
For Tobi Odekunle, the new police camouflage would cause more fear for the citizens the police were commissioned to protect.
Another Lagos resident, Wole Eniayewu said, “A new police uniform would neither ensure adequate internal security nor help to combat crime. What the average Nigerian policeman needs is better equipment, incentives, constant training, retraining and good housing.”
A police inspector in Ikeja, who spoke to our correspondent, said the police authorities should focus on more important things than uniform.
He said, “I have been a policeman for over 15 years and I can tell you that corruption and low morale are our biggest problems and these cannot be solved by a change of uniform. Divisional Police Officers who set financial targets for their subordinates – who end up mounting roadblocks in order to meet these demands – are still in existence.
Another policeman told our correspondent that the money that would be spent on the uniform should be used to better the lives of policemen.
He said, “Less than five years ago, the blue uniform was introduced in addition to the black one, but was there any change in our conduct?”
Source: Punch Metro..
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Simply Cheska...
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