The governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has expressed his opinion about the cause of consistent misconducts by some police officers in the state.
He stated that the number of police officers currently deployed to the state cannot sufficiently cater for its security challenges, as a result of the population.
Amobode gave the assertion when the IGP, Abubakar Adamu, visited him at the statehouse, following the recent killing of a young lady in Ajegunle area by members of the police force.
However, he maintained that the Lagos State government will not relapse in its efforts to support Police officers in the state, as much as it can.
Ambode stated, “We know that the Nigerian Police are under pressure. To ask just 33,000 officers to police a population of about 24 million in Lagos, it is obvious that they are already overstretched.”
The governor further asked that the police boss swiftly enforce necessary measures to curb excesses in the force.
He said, “I want to commend the IGP for this visit. Beyond the fact that this is a courtesy visit, he is coming promptly to address extra-judicial killings that have actually taken place in the last few weeks.
“So, for the IG to come promptly himself to address issues that relate to public feelings about the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, and actually talking to the officers and men, that means he is taking the responsiveness within the Nigerian Police seriously before we address extra issues that border on the citizens.
“So, I want to commend him on that act of responsiveness and also say that it is what we should emulate in dealing with management issues that relate with our officers.
“I empathize with the IG because last week he was in Zamfara; today he is in Lagos and tomorrow he would be in other places. Policing Nigeria is a big challenge but again, he is up to the task and we wish him well in his assignment.”
The IGP equally acknowledged the support of the state government in the activities of the force and assured that those found guilty of extrajudicial killings would be arraigned before a law court and face the consequences.
Adamu stated, “I came to pay a courtesy visit to the Governor because I am in Lagos State to see the officers and men of the Nigerian Police. I came to talk to them on good behavior and to remind them of the ethics of the job. We are to serve the public; we are not their masters, we are their servants.
“I want to thank Governor Ambode for his support to members of the Nigerian Police in Lagos State. Without the support of the Governor, I think the successes we recorded in the state would not have been possible.”
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