Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has congratulated the new Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, on his appointment by President Goodluck Jonathan.
In a congratulatory letter to the Acting IGP, Oshiomhole said the appointment is well-merited, given Mohammed’s diverse and rich operational and command records.
Oshiomhole said in the letter to Abubakar: “You are assuming the leadership of the Police at a very challenging period. Today, the Force’s image and public rating have witnessed an unprecedented decline due to its perceived inadequacies, the wanton corruption within its ranks and a leadership believed to be lacking in creativity and competence. For the nation, the times are certainly bad as organized sectarian terrorism has now compounded an already worrisome security situation.
“To deal with this challenge would require the leadership of the Police to go back to the drawing board, with a view to totally re-inventing the Force. The Nigeria Police needs to develop a new template for sound and effective internal governance, particularly in dealing with the malfeasances, which account for her poor public image. Above all, it needs to be re-tooled to deal with crime and insecurity, taking advantage of global best practices in planning, intelligence, technology, security enforcement and general operations.
“However, I am convinced that with you as the Inspector-General, the Nigerian Police is in very safe, capable and experienced hands, especially at this critical period in the life of the Police and indeed, the entire nation. As the Governor of Edo State, I had a firsthand opportunity to appreciate your diligence, eye for details, impressive technocratic acumen and no-nonsense approach to crime-fighting while you were the Assistant Inspector-General of Zone 5, under which was the Edo State Police Command. In particular, I was impressed by the enormous personal attention you paid to the morale and welfare of officers and men as well as your uncompromising approach to discipline.
“I believe that with these and other qualities, as well as your vast experience, the Nigeria Police can be empowered under your leadership to better protect the people and earn public confidence.
“While wishing you a successful tenure and the best of luck in your efforts to turn around the fortunes of the Nigeria Police, I assure you of my full support and the goodwill of the Government of Edo State.
“Please, accept the renewed assurances of my highest esteem.”