Military killed efficiency, performance of police — Oba Akiolu

OBA of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, on Monday in Lagos pointedly blamed past military governments for the rot in the police, declaring, “It was the military that killed the efficiency and performance of police” in the country.

The oba made this declaration on Monday, while speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day Stakeholder’s Summit organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, where keynote address was delivered by the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney- General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN).

Akiolu, who recalled that he was the head of the police fighting force for years, however, urged President Buhari to ensure he worked with serious and open minded people who would give the Inspector- General of Police free hand to run the Force.

This is as he said that the call to have community policing established in the country requires dedication, funds and men who were prepared to work.

Also, he said the issue of police barracks collapsing could only be addressed through adequate funding by the Federal Government.

“I have listened with rapt attention the argument of the Acting President who was represented by the AGF. And let me tell you the truth, it was the military that killed the efficiency and performance of police.

“I was the head of the police fighting force for years. I am happy that at this time we have someone who is willing and prepared to assist the Nigerian police.

“I want to urge the President to work with serious and open minded people who will give the IG free hand to run the force.

“We are clamouring for community policing at the moment, but I must tell you that it requires dedication, funds and men who are prepared to work.

The reason for police barrack collapsing is that the Federal Government needs to release funds to rehabilitate the barracks in order for the DPO and others top police officers to live within the community they have been assigned to work,” the monarch said.

Speaking further, Oba Akiolu, while denouncing the Police Service Commission (PSC), describing it is a toothless bulldog, said, it was unfair for someone to sit at the PS and determine who retires from the police.

The Oba, who said he was a victim, pointed out that that was not how to run a very efficient police force, even as he disclosed that he had asked the officers who took the Federal Government to court over their premature retirement to withdraw the suit and go and claim their benefits.

“For someone to sit at the Police Service Commission and determine who retires from the police is unfair. This is not how to run a very efficient police force.

“I remember that I was a victim of that circumstance; then Atiku, Daura and others sat down and advised the president (Obasanjo) that if he wants to win Lagos in 2003, I must be removed. It was written on paper.

“And in fairness to President Obasanjo, he argued that he knows nothing about it. And he had to send for the IG because the then Chief of Staff challenged the plan to retire me.

“Also, what they wanted to use former IG, Tafa Balogun for at the end of the day. And that is why Alhaji Gambo is still bitter because he wanted Balogun to disclose what the PDP wanted him to do in 2003.

“And all those money they alleged he was possessing, it was some of the governors that contributed that money to him. The police service commission is a toothless bulldog. I have asked the officers who took the government to court to withdraw the suit and go and claim their benefits,” he said.