NO POLICE CAN BE EFFECTIVE WITHOUT THE CITIZENS – CP OWOHUNWA
••• Praises Gov. Sanwo-Olu For Making The State “Most Resourced” On Familiarization Visit To Area F Command
By Oki Samson
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Idowu Owohunwa, has reiterated the significance of a strong relationship between the Nigerian Police and the citizenry to the delivery of safety and security to all.
He made this known during his familiarization visit and interactive session with police officers and the community under the Area F Police Command, Lagos State, under the leadership of the new Area Commander, ACP Bayo Sulaiman Lo. He also conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the facilities of the Area F command, which included a police hospital, a school, the Ikeja Police Division, offices, and cells, and commended them for being in good
In his address, CP Idowu Owohunwa revealed, “I know not of any police anywhere, no matter how well-trained, well-behaved, or well-equipped, that can succeed without the buy-in, trust, and cooperation of the citizens.” Nowhere in the world does this, so this interactive session is important. Your feedback, concerns, and advice, which you will give us, are based on your experience in terms of law enforcement in Lagos. So whatever we discuss will form a critical component of my policing strategy in Lagos.
The esteemed audience of police officers and community members at the interactive session included the Area Commander of Area F Police Command, ACP Bayo Sulaiman; all Divisional Police Officers under Area F; and other top officers. On the citizen side, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Chieftaincy and Traditional Matters, Prince Bayo Osiyemi; former CEO of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), Barr. Fred Odutola; Chairman of Omole Phase II Estate, Hon. Abimbola Oshikoya; and PCRC Chairman Lagos State, Apostle Kehinde Showemimo, among others.
CP Owohunwa told them, “This is an all-inclusive process, not praise singing.” Praises can motivate, but we have to partner in a frank manner. My leadership will be based on your input. Help us serve you better by giving us informed criticism where we can improve so we can assess our plans. While informing them of the need to have more interactive forums between the police and the citizens, the PCRC can be part of the process of documenting resident associations to have interactive forums with the police. This will help us a lot.
On his plans for policing in Lagos, the cerebral and administrative CP noted, “Corruption is a thing of concern to me.” For me, I am not corrupt and I am not corruptible, so it gives me courage to take on the task of ridding the police of corruption.
However, corruption is mutual. If you do it right, you don’t have to be forced to give. The temptation to reject is strong. I am trying to organize our gender and family unit into a full-fledged office. I have relocated them from the small office to the IRT building, where they will have a playground, kitchenette, and offices where they will have capacity to investigate gender issues. We statutorily have processes for operational excellence, and we will uplift them so that if we have officers who do gallantly and exceptionally well, we can project them before the IGP.
He praised Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for investing in policing. Lagos State is the most resourceful thanks to the government-LSSTF, Neighborhood Watch, Traffic, etc. Lagos State is far better than others. It is the only state in which a crime will occur, and in 10 minutes, you will see various police teams there.
In his welcome address, the Area Commander in charge of Area F Police Command, ACP Bayo Sulaiman, recalled: “The Area Command was created in 1998 with just two divisions.” However, over the years, Area F has witnessed corresponding growth into 9 divisions, 4 police posts, and 1084 personnel. As one of the most sensitive area commands in Lagos State, including key infrastructure like the Lagos State Government House, the Lagos State Judiciary, the Lagos State House of Assembly, the General Hospital, the Police College, and the Lagos State Police Command, among other important private entities, Area F is very strategic.
He praised CP Owohunwa for his immense support and said, “I am happy to say Area F has been relatively calm and peaceful, with crises such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and bank robbery being tackled head-on.” In the midst of this, Area F has enjoyed the grace of God and the unrelenting effort of officers and men in cooperation with strategic partners and synergy with sister security agencies and members of the public.
“All this won’t be achieved without the dedication and close mentorship you have bestowed upon the Command since you were appointed the CP of Lagos.” We have keyed into your policy of zero tolerance for crime and corruption and respect for fundamental human rights. We shall continue to drink from the wealth of experience that you will, in your magnanimity, give to us. We express our gratitude to the Lagos State Government for the moral and logistical support it has provided to the command so far. We also thank the IGP for repositioning the NPF for better and more quality service.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Chieftaincy and Traditional Matters, Prince Bayo Osiyemi, hailed CP Owohunwa and the Lagos State Police Command for effectively coordinating the security component of the just-concluded general elections in Nigeria. “I want to salute our officers for the role they played during the last elections; they were professional, proactive, and down-to-earth.” In the totality of incidences across the country, Lagos recorded the fewest despite being the hotbed. I have seen a lot because, having traveled far and wide, I know that police-citizen relations in the UK are key.
An expatriate who was also present at the meeting commented, “I have lived here in Nigeria for 34 years, and I have traveled almost all of Nigeria by road.” When the police and the common man align, we can do a great deal as a nation. The security of the country is so important for all of us. We look forward to your success in Lagos.
