Jonathan Unveils New Police Code Of Conduct …Meets Igbo Elders Over S’East Dev

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Abuja unveiled a Code of Conduct and Professional Standards for the Nigeria Police with a call on officers and men to uphold the code.

Jonathan also admonished the officers and men of the force to always enforce the law “politely and properly without fear or favour”.

The President, who was represented by Vice-President, Namadi Sambo at the event, also cautioned policemen against “employing unnecessary violence and accepting inducements”.

He noted that the code did not only define the acceptable standards of behaviour for police officers and men in the performance of their duties, it also reflected international conventions for law enforcement agents.

Jonathan expressed optimism that the Code would enhance internal discipline and uphold international best practices in all the Police operations.

He said, “Let me however emphasise that given the laudable objectives the Code of Conduct sets out to achieve, its strict and across the board enforcement must be given priority by the police high command. “I believe that the code is simple and easy for all police officers and members of the public to understand. “All police officers must be fully aware of its provisions and must strive at all times to live up to its standards. “I remind you that your badge is a symbol of public trust. You must therefore, enforce the law politely and properly without fear or favour, never employing unnecessary violence and never accepting inducements.”

Jonathan directed that a quarterly assessment of compliance to the Code should be submitted to his office to enable him to monitor overall improvement or otherwise in the Police.

The President, who commended the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Muhammed Abubakar, for this exemplary initiative, also saluted officers and men of the Police for their continued loyalty and courage which they had consistently displayed in the discharge of their duties. He reiterated the determination of the Federal Government to transform the Nigeria Police into an efficient organisation and to enhance its capacity to satisfactorily deliver on its internal security mandate.

“In line with our Reform Agenda, the Federal Government will continue to support the Police towards improved service delivery to the nation.

“The government and good people of Nigeria expect our officers and men to give their all in making Nigeria safer for our citizens and visitors alike. “I urge all stakeholders, particularly the members of the public, to also adequately support our police service. “I believe that if the current efforts are sustained, with the active support of all relevant stakeholders and the general public, the Nigeria Police will do much better in both service delivery and in the conduct of its personnel,” he said.

Earlier, the IGP explained that the Code of Conduct was meant to instill discipline and accountability in the Nigeria Police Force, ensure public trust and confidence.

He assured that the Code would be strictly adhered to and its implementation monitored for the general good of the Nigeria Police. Abubakar noted that the Code highlighted the ethical standards expected of all members of the Force irrespective of their ranks, describing it as “an Article of Faith”.

Goodwill messages were delivered at the occasion by some State Governors and leaders of some Civil Society organisations.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday met with Igbo elders from Lagos State over development of the South East and improvement of infrastructure in the region.

In an interview with State House correspondents after the closed door meeting, the President General of Ndigbo, Lagos, Prof. Anya O. Anya said that the Aba power projects, the state of the roads in the region as well as the resuscitation of rail lines topped the agenda.

“On the issue of power, we wanted to be sure that there is no modification to the plan for the Aba Power Project in terms of the agreement. In the next 10 months, the project will be ready. So, when you start tampering with a project that is almost finished, you might perhaps be saying nothing will happen. “We don’t want that to happen; not in the area of power and the President has given us his assurance. We are quite satisfied,” he said.

Anya, a former Vice Chancellor and former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group said the response from the President was encouraging. “If Nigerians knew the responsiveness of the President to issues like this, maybe people will recognise that perhaps a lot is being done. “I must confess that some of the things we were told are on-going, we did not know they were there. “There is need for a lot more flow of information between those who govern and us, the governed,” he said.

Other elders in the delegation include the Chairman of MTN, Chief Pascal Dozie, Chief Sam Ohabunwa, Chief Raymond Ebiere and former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Allison Madueke.

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (right), with the International Head-Coordinator of Ministers Prayer Network, Rev Mossy U. Madugba, during the Global Mega PrayerQuake in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.