The retiring Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Phillip Ogbadu, has urged officers and men of the command to position themselves for global best practices in policing.
CP Ogbadu stated this in Benin at a ceremony marking his retirement from the Nigerian Police Force.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ogbadu, who was born on March 7, 1962, is retiring after 33 years in service.
Addressing officers and men of the command shortly before he was pulled out, Ogbadu enjoined them not to relent in their efforts at upgrading and improving themselves in order to be abreast of global best practices in policing.
He noted that with constant improvement and upgrade, both personally and professionally, the personnel would reach the peak of their career.
The retiring Commissioner of Police, who noted that it was the dream and prayer of every serving officer to retire successfully, said that it was a privilege for him to have served for 33 years in the police force.
He, however, expressed the regret over what he called high manpower wastage in the force.
Ogbadu said: “I appreciate God for the opportunity to serve this state and at this level.
“I also appreciate the state government for providing a conducive environment for me to operate.
“We have been sued severally by lawyers, but the government had always come to our rescue.
“I also appreciate sister security agencies for the synergy and collaboration during my tenure as Commissioner of Police, while not forgetting to appreciate the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, for his royal advice always.”
In his remarks, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in the command, Miller Dantawaye, said that Ogbadu came, saw and conquered.
Dantawaye said: “You came here when it was tough.
“You came when we were all afraid they would kidnap us on the streets of GRA.
“But, to the glory of God, you did what you did and the state became calm.
“In essence, you came, you saw and you conquered.
“You came, you tormented the criminals and they ran away.
“You came when it was tough, confronted the situation head on and today, we are sleeping with our two eyes closed.
“You succeeded as far as Edo command is concerned.”
Dantawaye further said that the retiring Commissioner of Police should consider himself a consultant, especially as far as policing in Edo State was concerned.
According to him, officers and men of the command have gained lots of knowledge from Ogbadu, adding that they will deploy the knowledge in the discharge of their duties.
“Your approach to policing was official, local and traditional, and it worked for you,” Dantawaye added.
Speaking on behalf of heads of other security agencies in the state, the Brigade Commander, 4 Brigade, Benin, Brigadier General Sani Abdullahi, commended Ogbadu for bringing his wealth of experience to policing in the state.
NAN reports that heads of all security agencies in the state were present at the pulling out ceremony.