2. Ladies and Gentlemen, exactly fourteen months ago,
destiny reposed on me the fortune of being appointed the 18th
indigenous Inspector General of Police. Today, natural sequence of history has
not only occasioned the successful completion of my tenure, but has also
beckoned on Ag. IGP Ibrahim Idris to step into the leadership space as the 19th
Indigenous Inspector General of Police.
3. You would recall that during my inaugural address,
I noted that -
The
task of blending our acclaimed quality human assets with quality leadership is
the main challenge ahead of us, but it is one I am convinced we can surmount’.
I also affirmed that –
‘on
my part, I can assure you that I will provide the highest possible level of
professional and responsible leadership, while trusting that you shall march
hand-in-hand with me as dependable professional colleagues, to advance the
fortunes of the Force’.
4. One year, two months away from this assertion and
clarion call, I can proudly note two significant developments. First is that I
feel professionally satisfied that I enjoyed very high level of diligence,
loyalty, sacrifice and professionalism from all cadres of the Force. This
manifested in the great strides we collectively attained in our common march
towards restoring the lost primacy of the Nigeria Police and bequeathing a Police
Force of citizens’ expectations to Nigerians.
5. Secondly, I am fulfilled that a widely
experienced, knowledgeable and passionate officer of the calibre of Ag. IGP
Ibrahim Idris has been appointed by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the
Armed Forces of the Federation to march the Force forward. I am convinced of
the capacity of Ag. IGP Idris to provide the requisite leadership for the Force
at this crucial time in the history of not just the Nigeria Police Force, but
of our nation. In this regard, I can assure him of my support, even in
retirement, as well as my constant prayers.
6. Let me at this juncture, encourage the Nigeria
Police Family to extend the trademark loyalty, diligence, and professionalism
which I enjoyed from them, to the new Force leadership. This, ladies and
gentlemen, is the only path to follow in our journey towards enhancing the
fortunes of our beloved Police Force as well as sustaining our relevance within
the national security architecture of our country. Above all, this is the only
path that will guide us towards achieving the Policing Vision of Mr. President
within the Change Mantra conceptualized by the Federal Government.
7. In driving this valedictory speech to a close,
permit meto deeply appreciate the support of all personnel of the Nigeria
Police. The journey might have been tortuous, but looking back, we should all
be proud that today, through an inclusive leadership strategy which I adopted,
the Nigeria Police has acquired very strong intelligence, investigative and
operational capability which can and have of late been deployed to crack any
crime at any location within our national geographical space. The dignity of an
average Nigeria Police officer has been restored. Public confidence in our competency
has been enlivened.
8. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is not that crimes will
not occur. No nation is immune from criminal activities.Today, however, like
other Police Forces across the world, we in the Nigeria Police can beat our
chests and make a clear and bold statement to criminal elements threatening our
national value that if you commit any crime, we now have the capacity not only
to arrest you, but to bring you to deserved justice in the most prompt,
professional, and rule of law-compliant manner. This is the profile of the
Nigeria Police Force you, my colleagues and all Nigerians have aided me to
bequeath to our beloved nation. This is a legacy I can assure the nation that
Ag. IGP Idris will not only sustain, but will advance.
9. I, therefore, wish to heartily congratulate Ag. IGP Ibrahim Idris for his
well deserved appointment and to pray for God’s wisdom as he settles into his
schedules. I also wish to immensely appreciate Mr. president for the trust
reposed in me and the firm support extended to me, even at most difficult times
in my leadership.
10. Indeed, the unique Presidential support acted as the motivation that drove
me through my tenure as Inspector-General of Police. I can assure Mr.
President, that I shall remain eternally grateful and will sustain my
commitment to his vision and values even in retirement.
11. To members of the Press, my friends, and indeed all Nigerians, as I bow
out, I must put on record my deep appreciation of your constructive criticisms,
pieces of informed advice, encouragement and unalloyed support for me. I call
on you to extend similar favour to my successor even as I assure you all that
the network we have built over the years will remain valued and sustained as I
walk into retirement life.
12. I thank you all and pray for God’s spiritual protection over Ag. IGP
IbrahimIdrisand our beloved country.
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