LAGOS — THE Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun weekend in Lagos said the era of godfatherism in the police Force was over, saying promotions to whatever ranks and transfer from one formation to another would henceforth be based on laid down rules and individual achievement in crime fighting.
The police boss who spoke at the Police College, Ikeja where he commissioned the first phase of the 10,000 units of motorcycles and presentation of the Force Co-operative Loan Cheques to beneficiaries also announced that mass promotions from the rank and file to Assistant Inspectors General of Police AIGS was on the way.
His words: “Let me say that what you are witnessing today is one of the welfare programmes of this administration and we are committed to doing more with a view to bridging the gap hitherto existing between the rank and file and senior officers. You are all aware that since we came on board, this administration has not reneged on its resolve to ensure that officers and men of the force were promoted as and at when due.”
Mr. Balogun however shelved protocols when he instantly promoted a twin, Hassan from the rank of corporal to sergeant so as tally with his Sergeant brother, Hussein. The two brothers, it was learnt, enlisted in the force the same day and had since worked together in any formation they found themselves. However, Hussein it seemed, got promoted faster than his twin brother Hassan but because of their resolve to doing things in common Hussein would not wear his Sergeant rank in solidarity with his Corporal brother. Meanwhile the IGP got fascinated after they both displayed their artistry in motor bike riding as expert riders.
“I have heard and seen your plight as identical twin brothers who have not done badly in your respective assigned duties. But let me say here that what we are about to witness is against police ethics in terms of promotion from one rank to another. My officers have also told me that both of you do nearly everything together and that is why one has refused to wear his Sergeant rank in sympathy with the Corporal. However let me remind you that in case you rise to the rank of an IG tomorrow, there might be two IGS; so you better begin to learn to be your individual self. Meanwhile, by the powers conferred on me I hereby promote you to the rank of a Sergeant,” he said.
The 10,000 units of motorcycle scheme for police officers was financed by AKTRA Nigeria Limited.
