PCRC SOUTHWEST ZONE SALUTES POLICE LEADERSHIP, SAYS COMPETENT AND CAPABLE LEADERS ARE KNOWN AT DIFFICULT TIMES, by Kunle Sodipo

............ WANTS BAD EGGS FLUSHED OUT OF THE POLICE.

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Southwest Geopolitical Zone, under the leadership of the National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan has noted with great satisfaction, the good leadership provided and still being provided by Senior Police Officers (SPOs) representing the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu in the Zone at this critical and challenging point in time. The NVC and his management team, after a brainstorming session, applauded the DIG in charge of Southwest Zone, the 3 AIGs and the 6 Commissioners of Police for ensuring proper and professional handling of situations emanating from the continuous EndSARS protests which has been witnessed in every States of the Southwest and other parts of the Country for 9 days running, even till yesterday Saturday 17th October, 2020. 

As a link between the Police and the Community, the PCRC has played and continuous to play her constructive role at all time to ensure that security challenges and other problems being faced by both the Police and the Community are addressed promptly and with all sense of decency through talks, seminars, trainings and partnership with recognized Civil Society Groups, Religious Bodies, Community Leaders and Student Associations such as :  CDHR, Women Arise, NANS, NYCN, CAN, League of Imams, CDAs and Government Agencies.

We noted with great feeling and despite the attacks on Police personnel, the peaceful disposition of the Nigeria Police under the leadership of IGP Mohammed Adamu in the ongoing protests and we have no doubt but to reach a conclusion that the problem is not really the Nigeria Police, but with us as a Nation. The highly efficient and  painstaking efforts of Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Edward Awolowo Ajogun, who at some point had to rush down to Ake and Owu palace respectively to manage situations as protesters became unruly, can never be easily forgotten. Likewise, the crisis management techniques of Lagos CP, Hakeem Odumosu his Oyo and Osun State Counterparts will forever be appreciated by *those who knows what it takes to be on the hot seat at this critical period.

The effective monitoring being provided by the AIGs in charge of Zone 2, 11 and 17 respectively are of great effect in all ramifications with every touch to show how professional our officers and men are and can be, if given the much needed cooperation by the Public. The AIG Zone 2 Command, AIG Ahmed Iliyasu Psc+ as observed, never ceased to reach out to various groups and student bodies who for long, have seen him as a father and mentor. To our own DIG Adeleye Oyebade, we remain confident in your unshaken support for the IGP and the entire Police management team and expects that with you, other DIGs and our FPPRO team, our  hardworking and innovative IGP will make the Nigeria Police a pride amongst other security agencies in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Police of our dream is possible, but with all hands on deck to bring about quick and meaningful improvement in the condition of service of our officers and men which for a long time, has been nothing but worrisome. Security remains a vital sector that must be given the priority it deserves and any nation that relegates it to the blackguard will sure find it difficult to operate the world's best standard practice as now being agitated by Nigerian youths.

We likewise acknowledge the role of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and remain confidence in the Commission's ability to flush out bad eggs who have brought serious dents to the image of the Police at the expense of the very many good ones, and also to help in the urgent need for an improved and befitting service condition by championing various reforms to better and inspire our officers and men who on daily basis risks their lives to protect the lives and properties of all citizens. Even the developed countries of the world have their own security challenges but ultimately finds a way out of them, and we believe that by God's grace and with the much needed political will, ours won't be different.

This piece will definitely be incomplete without recognising the fantastic works of all PCRC leaders in Nigeria led by the National Chairman, Dr Farouk Maiyama (Yariman Jega) and also in particular, leaders of the Southwest Geopolitical Zone. From our Zonal Chairmen to all State Chairmen, Area Commands, Divisions and Unit, we can't but remain proud of our role  as the bridge linking both the Police and the Community and as such, we must ensure that the bridge remains solid and intact at all times.

PCRC.... Service to the Nation

Comrade Kunle Sodipo MNIMN,MNIM.

Public Relations Directorate, PCRC Southwest Nigeria