Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa
The Assistant Inspector General of police in charge of zone 16, AIG Abubakar Zubairu, PSC has charged the newly deployed commissioner of police, Bayelsa state command, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, to uphold professionalism, discipline and accountability in the discharge of his duties.
Zubairu gave the charge when he received CP Adewale at the Zone 16 police command headquarters during a courtesy visit following the commissioner’s assumption of duty as the 39th commissioner of police in Bayelsa state.
The visit, according to a statement issued by the zone 16 police public relations officer, SP Gunn Ewhoborwo Emonena, was aimed at strengthening operational collaboration between the zonal command and the Bayelsa state police command.
AIG Zubairu, accompanied by members of his management team, including DCP Mercy Okoro, mni; DCP Ijeoma Princewill; ACP Ogah Reuben; ACP John John; and ACP Chuks Nwoke, warmly received the new commissioner.
CP Adewale was accompanied on the courtesy visit by DCP Anche Joseph, PSC, and DSP Musa Mohamed,during the engagement, the AIG reiterated the directives of the inspector-general of police on the need for effective, professional and people oriented policing, stressing that public confidence remained critical to successful policing.
He urged the new commissioner to ensure strict supervision of personnel and continuous monitoring of police operations noting that officers and men must perform their duties within the confines of the law and established professional standards.
He warned against the abuse of roadblocks and checkpoints, directing the commissioner to ensure that all such operations were properly regulated and supervised.
He cautioned officers against establishing unauthorised checkpoints or engaging in practices capable of inconveniencing members of the public, undermining public trust or tarnishing the image of the Nigeria police force.
The AIG also restated the inspector general of police’s zero tolerance policy towards extortion abuse of power and other forms of unprofessional conduct, urging the new command leadership to hold personnel accountable for their actions.
On the administration of criminal justice, Zubairu cautioned against the prolonged detention of suspects, directing officers to handle cases promptly and in accordance with due process and the provisions of the law.
He charged CP Adewale to provide purposeful leadership, maintain discipline and ensure diligent supervision of personnel across the command.
According to him, the Bayelsa state police command must remain focused on its core responsibility of protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime maintaining public order and providing quality policing services to residents.
The AIG further encouraged the commissioner to deepen collaboration with relevant stakeholders and strengthen community oriented policing as part of efforts to address security challenges confronting the state.
He expressed confidence that the new leadership of the Bayelsa Command would build on existing security efforts and sustain a professional relationship with the Zone 16 command,responding, CP Adewale reaffirmed his commitment to working within the directives of the inspector general of police and the strategic vision of the zone 16 leadership.
The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for both leadership teams to reaffirm their commitment to stronger operational coordination, accountability, professionalism and improved public safety in Bayelsa state.
