By Abubakar Yunusa
The Acting Inspector-Gereal of Police, Olatunji Disu has said he would impress it on all police personnel that they have to do things differently this time around, declaring that “the era of impunity is over.”
He also said his officers and men must recognise that members of the public are their bosses, and they must have to cooperate and work with the public if they would discharge their duties creditable.
Disu, formerly an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, made this assertion at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja while speaking to newsmen soon after he was decorated with his new rank of IGP.
He succeeded Kayode Egbetokun who retired from the service on Tuesday.
Asked what would be his top priority and what he would be telling his men and officers as he takes over as the number one cop, the new IGP said:
“My top priority: One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men. I’m going to talk to them, let them know that the citizen, the citizen of the country are the boss.
“It’s very, very important for them to know that no police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.
“I’m going to ensure that I take their welfare into consideration, because people who are motivated put in their best.
“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over. I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to ensure they follow human rights.
“I will ensure that they know that I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption, and most importantly, I’m going to drum it into them that we can never succeed without the cooperation of members of the public.
“I will mention, importantly, again, the country is facing a particular problem now, issue of banditry and insurgency. I know all police officers around have been doing their best. They are hard working people. All I need to do is to channel their morale and their thoughts to make anything better. I appreciate that.”
Disu said his appointment came at a time he didn’t expect it, and that has given him course to thank President Tinubu for considering him worthy of the assignment.
At the decoration ceremony, President Tinubu praised the new IGP to high heavens, having worked with him when he governor of Lagos State.
Disu said he was moved to tears to hear Tinubu say such good words about him:
His words: “The president mentioning a lot of activities about me, mentioning areas I have worked, mentioning successes I’ve recorded as a policeman, brought emotions to me, almost brought me to tears.
“It shows the President took his time to monitor officers working everywhere in the country, and then it shows the President was throwing a challenge at me to go out there and do what I’m known for, and ensure that I bring peace, recognition and code to the country.”
