IGP Challenges Police Officers On Professionalism, Discipline

The inspector-general of police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has challenged officers and men of the Rivers State Police to embrace professionalism and discipline.

Disu gave the charge yesterday to officers of the command at the Police Officers’ Mess, in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

He said a police officer’s inability to return to a community where he once served was an indication that he did not do well while serving there.

“I came to Rivers State for two reasons: to celebrate Mama Opuyiga, that 96-year-old woman, who retired as deputy commissioner of police, who was among the first 21 set of Nigeria police women. Mama had done us a great thing by putting down her memories so that generations unborn can read.

“Second, to come into this great state where I was commissioner of police at the time, to meet with all of you, to discuss with you and to say thank you for the wonderful jobs you guys have been doing,” he said.

“That brings me to what I have always said. Can you go back to where you have worked before? All of you, can you go back to where you have worked before? How have you treated everybody that came your way? Will they be happy to see you in ten years’ time? Will they be happy to see you in five years’ time?

“So, start thinking about it. Everybody needs to know this: in every case you handle, handle it as if your life depends on it.

“I have not been able to move around the streets of Port Harcourt because everybody wants to have a handshake with me.

“That is what should happen if you keep your ways straight and relate well with the people. Did they pursue you where you worked before? Will you be confident to tell people this is where I worked before?”