The Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has promised to ensure a transparent, accountable, responsible and responsive police force.
Egbetokun, who officially took the mantle of office as the 22nd indigenous police boss Wednesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, said his leadership will ensure a more disciplined police force built on integrity, professional ethics, without overlooking training of police officers across all ranks.
“Henceforth every police officer would be selected based on professionalism and passion. We would recognise that the true measure of our community lies in our professionalism.
“Change does not come overnight, together we shall create the police force that we all crave for. Let us all be the change we want to see,” Egbetokun told police seniors officers who witnessed the event.
He called on all Nigerians to support the NPF in the course of the envisaged transformation journey, adding that the NPF would strive to respect the rule of law.
On the security of lives and properties, Egbetokun assured that the NPF would secure the nation and build massive peace through proactive approach, reiterating that community policing will not be set aside, as efforts are on the way to make it work.
He disclosed that efforts would be intensified to pay salaries of police constables who have not been paid since their recruitment.
The immediate past Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba said he is leaving the police force better than he met it.
The ex-police chief expressed satisfaction that steady progress was made as he promised on assumption of office in 2021, even as he noted that pathways have been clearly defined, firm foundation built, and giant strides taken for the new Force leadership to leverage on in his quest for a better Police Force.
He expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari and President Ahmed Tinubu “for the opportunity to serve as Inspector General of Police and for the choice of the Acting IGP Kayode Egbetokun, a thorough-bred and refined officer as my successor,” while also expecting that Egbetokun would excel in his assignment.
“On behalf of my family, I heartily extend my sincere congratulations to Acting IGP Egbetokun for his deserved appointment and pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) should perfect his leadership, grant him wisdom, and brighten his path as he settles into the task of leading the largest Police Force in Africa.
“Permit me at this juncture, to acknowledge that in the course of my leadership, I must have undoubtedly taken some firm decisions some of which must have added value to policing, while others must have hurt the interests of some individual officers and indeed, some citizens of diverse status. One thing is clear.
He said his decisions were taken in good faith and in sincere consideration of the overriding interests of the Force even as he apologised for any infractions in office. To err, it is said, is human and to forgive is divine. I trust that you all shall forgive my leadership inadequacies as I also expect that the intent of my actions and my leadership strides will also be acknowledged as legacies worth appreciating. ,” said Alkali.