Arase takes over, promises to deal with lawbreakers

THE change of leadership at the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) was formally concluded yesterday, with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, inspecting a mounted guard.

The new helmsman, Solomon Arase, promised to provide the highest possible level of professional and responsible leadership.

Shortly after the inspection, Arase, in what may be an outline of the direction he would pursue, warned: “To unrepentant felons that may want to put our common will to test, the message is being relayed here, loud and clear, that in securing the law-abiding, we shall also not hesitate to deploy our potent assets to deal firmly and decisively with deviants.

He continued: “The lost primacy of the force within the internal security architecture of our beloved country can and will be restored.”

His administration, according to him, will partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other strategic stakeholders to ensure that electoral violence becomes a thing of the past, to be defined as “intolerable”.

He said the officers, who would be deplored on duty for the hitherto inconclusive election in Imo, Abia and Taraba states would be adequately mobilised to ensure a hitch-free process.

Also “the delivery of hitch-free Presidential, Governorship and National/State Assembly inauguration ceremonies, the intelligence asset of the Police force would be deployed to the necessary areas, especially trouble spots.

He said the new leadership will ensure that the yearning of the Nigerian public for a policing system that will assure them of their safety, but treat them with civility and hold their human right sacred, would be promoted.

While stating that his successor’s appointment was well-deserved, Abba had noted that the “entire police personnel had gone through a lot to ensure that the elections were successful.

“We started at a time it was very difficult; we were getting ready for elections, and all attention was on it. But we went through it all and got the commendation for a job well done.

“We had gone through it; the elections are almost over. I thank everyone for making the election a success. I thank those that ensured that the process ended in peace. I’m happy that we had a peaceful conduct.