Oba Akiolu blames decay in police on military
The Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, has taken a swipe at the military for being responsible for the rot in the police. He also accused the military of killing the efficiency and performance of the police.
Speaking in Lagos on Monday, the monarch said the plethora of problems bedeviling the force today is not self-inflicted, but a result of forces outside and beyond the control of the police.
“Let me tell you the truth. It was the military that killed the efficiency and performance of the police. In 1984, I was the head of the police fighting force for years. I am happy that at this time, we have someone who is willing and prepared to assist the Nigerian police.
“I want to urge the president to work with serious and open-minded people who will give the Inspector General of Police free hand to run the force.
“We are clamouring for community policing at the moment, but I must tell you that it requires dedication, funds and men who are prepared to work,” he said.
On recent collapse of buildings in police barracks, he said the federal government needed to release funds to rehabilitate the barracks, many of which have become dilapidated.
He added that to curb crime, there was the need for some of the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other top police officers to live within the community they have been assigned to work.
The monarch frowned at the process of retirement of officers in the country, saying it was appalling.
“For someone to sit at the Police Service Commission and determine who retires from the police is unfair. This is not how to run a very efficient police force.
“I remember that I was a victim of that circumstance. Some top officers sat down and advised the (then) president that if he wants to win Lagos in 2003, I must be removed. It was written on paper.
He concluded by saying the Police Service Commission is a toothless bulldog.
