News Obiaks News

Former Inspector General of Police, and current Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Mike Okiro, yesterday said that policemen found on domestic errand or escorting unauthorised persons will be arrested.                                                                                     

Okiro who stated this in Abuja yesterday, January 13, while addressing some critical issues concerning the Nigeria Police Force.

He said that the Police Service Commission has worked out a a blueprint of class of Very Important Personalities (VIPs), who should enjoy the VIP protection with specific duties and any officer caught doing domestic job would not be tolerated anymore

"The issue of policemen performing domestic duties, as you can all agree with me, has generated much uproar and even condemnation as it is capable of eroding the public esteem of members of the NPF. To stem the tide, we have worked out a blueprint of the class of VIPs that should enjoy the privilege of attaching police officers to provide VIP protection with their specific duties clearly spelt out. The matter is awaiting the consent of the relevant authorities, before we can start its implementation. This policy is very critical and is aimed at shoving up, the professionalism of the Police Force and rekindles the high respect the police deserve in the public eye cum image."�he said

To stem the tide, we have worked out a blueprint of the class of VIPs that should enjoy the privilege of attaching police officers to provide VIP protection with their specific duties clearly spelt out.

"The matter is awaiting the consent of the relevant authorities, before we can start its implementation. This policy is very critical and is aimed at shoving up, the professionalism of the Police Force and rekindles the high respect the police deserve in the public eye cum image."�

Okiro added that once the operation if fully put in place, the provost marshal of the police and staff of the PSC will operate jointly and be stationed at domestic airports and some highways to arrest and discipline officers who embark on illegal escorts or guards.

The former Inspector General of Police also clarified the story of lopsidedness in promotion of senior police officers, noting that "of recent, the media carried stories of alleged lopsidedness in the recent promotions and postings of senior police officers (SPOs). I wish to inform you that, there is nothing farther from the truth therein."�