By Christopher Oji
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Command, Onikan, Lagos, Adegoke Fayoade, has warned newly promoted senior police officers in his command, not to collect forcefully collect money from Nigerians .
The AIG said the 33 officers should police with the fear of God and serve the people deligently and Nigerians would appreciate them with joy.
AIG Fayoade, who was speaking yesterday , while decorating the senior officers from the Zone comprising Lagos and Ogun State police commands, urged them to be good ambassadors of the force.
Among the promoted officers is the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Ayuba Tunni Umma and her counterpart from the Ogun State Police Command,Omolola Odutola who were promoted to the rank of a Chief Superintendents of Police.
Fayoade, who congratulated the officers, advised them to be more dedicated and committed to their duties, saying that to whom much is given,much is expected of him or her.
“Nothing motivates a police officer more than enjoying his or her promotions as and when due.
“My greatest honour as AIG in charge of Zone 2, as a leader, is to superintend over the promotion of my officers, who have demonstrated consistent professional excellence, good service records and moral strength in the discharge of their functions.
“When I was an ASP, and junior police, I was always feeling when would I rise to this position I am today. With dedication and God on my side, I am here. I congratulate the promoted officers, their spouses and family members, who accompany them to the event.
“Promotion is not easy to get, but it comes from God Almighty. When it’s time for you to be promoted, nobody can stop it. I congratulate you once again, I want to thank the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun for promoting you people . About 2,000 officers were promoted from the rank of Superintendent of Police to Chief Superintendent of Police, it’s a record breaking one.”
According to him, the promotion of the officers came at the right time and it would boost their morale.
“The new rank comes with some obligations in term of conduct, professional outlook, ability to dissect very complex internal security issues and take decisions that would align with the law, align with the interest of the citizens you serve. I also want to thank the police service commission chairman and his team for the approval of the promotion.
“When you are giving a promotion like this, you don’t go to sleep, it requires you to do more for the country and respect the citizens, don’t collect money from Nigerians by force.”
Fayoade said,” it is the responsibility of the newly promoted officers to secure the State where they work. Also project the image of the force now, unlike before you were promoted.
“Don’t go back to your old way.Always put up good attitude and do away from what you are known for before now. Also, show love and kindness to members of the public, stay away from corruption.Nigerians are very kind and generous, if you do your work well. Nigerians will appreciate you, don’t collect money forcibly from people.”
He appealed to the officers to see their promotions as another step in their bright careers and the challenges that would go with the position.
“There is no more excuse, always be guided by certain values. Don’t change those values so that those excesses will not bring you down.
“I commit you to God and pray that He should continue to perfect your careers, sustain the strength of characters that brought you to where you are today and brighten your future.”
Earlier, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Redengha Timpa on behalf of other promoted officers thanked the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Police Service Commission and the AIG
“It is with gratitude to God that on behalf of other officers thanks the police authority for honour done us, we promised not to let down the NPF, the Federal Government and the good people of Nigeria in the discharge of our duty”.