We will always respect rule of law, says IGP Baba

• Orders deployment of DIG, 4 other senior officers
• PSC promotes 745 Senior Police Officers

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba. Photo/FACEBOOKTHENIGERIAPOLICE

The court similarly discharged and acquitted the IGP of the conviction and three months sentence. This followed the motion filed before the Federal High Court on Thursday December 1, 2022, highlighting the basis why the order should be vacated, particularly as the Force had complied with the original ruling of the court for the reinstatement of one Patrick C. Okoli, the plaintiff in the matter.

Justice Olajuwon in his ruling held that the IGP has substantially complied with the judgment of the court earlier delivered in 2011 since 2015, and is therefore entitled to acquittal, and accordingly acquitted him of any wrongdoing.

The IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, commended the court for setting aside the order, while reiterating the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under his watch to uphold and respect the rule of law, and ensure the continuous protection of the fundamental rights of all persons.

Relatedly, with a view to promoting professionalism and efficiency in the NPF, the IGP has redeployed the supervising Deputy Inspector-General of Police, South-East Geo-Political Zone, DIG John Amadi, who was hitherto in charge of the Department of Research and Planning, to the Department of Logistics and Supply, Force Headquarters, Abuja, following the retirement of DIG Zanna M. Ibrahim. DIG Amadi, a member of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), hails from Ebonyi State and is an alumnus of the University of Lagos.

Similarly, new heads have been posted for some Commands and Formations. The other newly posted senior police officers include CP Patrick Kehinde Longe who takes over as Commissioner of Police in charge of Osun State Police Command; CP Adepoju Ayinde Ilori who takes charge of the Police Special Fraud Unit, FCID Annex, Lagos with effect from December 28, 2022; CP Isyaku Mohammed appointed as the Head of Police Accounts and Budget; and CP Faleye Olaleye as CP Administration, FCID, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

In another development, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 745 senior police officers.

The Commission also considered and approved proper placement for five Commissioners of Police and one Deputy Commissioner of Police. It also treated 14 appeals and petitions and nine Pending Disciplinary Matters from dismissed and serving Police Officers.

The Commission’s spokesman, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, in a statement on Wednesday said the decisions were some of the highpoints of the 18th Plenary Meeting of the Commission, which ended in Abuja on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. The meeting was presided over by the Commission’s acting Chairman, Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi (rtd).

The statement explained that the PSC promoted two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP), to Superintendents of Police, 696 Assistant Superintendents of Police to Deputy Superintendents of Police and 47 Inspectors of Police to unconfirmed Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP11).

The Commission approved the proper placement and adjustment of promotion dates of CP Njoku Henry Eronini, CP Afolabi Babatola Adeniyi and CP Taiwo Olusola Jesubiyi in the CP staff list from March 24, 2022 to 09/03/2022 so as to maintain seniority in the Force. It also adjusted the promotion date of CP Ogundele Ayodeji to June 03, 2021 instead of 09/03/2022 and confirmation date of DCP Nwonyi Polycap Emeka to read 07/12/2018 instead of 29/09/2020.

In the same vein, the Commission approved the reduction in rank of four police officers and gave six others punishment of severe reprimand. It reinstated six officers, retired two in public interest, promoted one, DCP Emmanuel Eze to CP and retired him. It reviewed the punishment of reduction in rank of Inspector Falade Kayode, exonerated him and restored his rank of ASP 1.

Chairman of the Commission, Justice Ogunbiyi commended members of the PSC for their commitment and dedication to the work of moving the Nigeria police to greater heights. She noted that their support and cooperation had helped the Commission to treat several outstanding issues with despatch and sustained prompt and regular promotions in both the Police Force and the Commission.

She also commended the Commission’s members for the disposal of Pending Disciplinary Matters so that no police officer is held back in his/her career progression.

that reports and resolves corruption-related issues. 

The CBi presented the international award to the Vice President during the courtesy call on Monday and said to him, “this would not have been possible without your interventions.”

Receiving the delegation and the award at the Presidential Villa, the Vice President praised the CBi and the MACN, commending them for their efforts alongside FG agencies, noting that the Buhari Administration will continue to support initiatives that improves the business environment and economy in general.

“This is cheery news on our anti-corruption efforts,” a delighted VP said adding that what is required is to stay focused in the fight against corruption.

Osinbajo stated that the narrative on the imperative of integrity and fight against corruption has to be deepened, explaining that “we need to get the attention of the young people also. This is something we have to do.”

Based on the Executive Order 001, ICPC conducted a successful sting operation in 2019 to support FG’s port reforms. Then in December 2020, the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT) comprising the Shippers Council, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), was established.

In addition, the Nigeria Ports Process Manual (NPPM) was launched and the PSTT, led by the Shippers Council, was given the responsibility to implement and enforce compliance. 

According to the MACN, before the PSTT was formed, there were 266 cases of demands for large, unreceipted cash payments by officials at the ports in the process of vessel clearance. 

Such practice has now dropped to 128 cases following the establishment of PSTT in 2020. By 2021, the cases fell further to 84 cases, and so far in 2022, it has remained below 50 cases. 

In the same vein, prior to the intervention of the PSTT, Port Calls were costing on average $150,000 per vessel per visit (including illicit demands and the cost of delays occasioned by trying to avoid the illicit demands). This has now dropped to an average cost of $20,000 per port call.

The group further noted that since the FG instituted the Help Desk in 2020, it has monitored just under 700 ships arrival to Nigerian ports. 

Also, it would be recalled that the VP Osinbajo-led Presidential Task Force was established in 2019 to address the issue of port congestion in Apapa and resolve traffic gridlock in the axis.

Following the completion of its assignment, it handed over duties to the Lagos State Government in 2021.

The Presidential Task Force had representatives of the Inspector-General of Police; Lagos State Government; NPA, Nigerian Shippers Council, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), among others.

*Laolu Akande*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity*
*Office of the Vice President*