Agony of rank and file policemen

It is witty to say that life is not static; that things change more often than not and that change in itself is the only constant thing in life. Thus, desktop and laptop computers have replaced the mainframe, newer models of cars have rendered older ones obsolete, while the internet has revolutionised information dissemination. It seems being static amounts to moving against the clock of time. But this is exactly what inspectors and the rank and file of the Nigeria Police have faced for some time now, as everything for the aforementioned cadre of policemen has remained static.

Many inspectors and junior officers have been on one rank for the past 15 years of active service in the Nigeria Police. This status quo discourages meaningful personal development and stagnates progress in life. They are men and women whose mental and physical potentials have helped to provide security and maintain law and order even without the necessary gadget. The crime rate and public perception notwithstanding, these security officers have helped to tame crime, to an extent. But the police authorities and government seem to have relegated them to the background. How can a constable be on one rank for 15 years? Does it mean he did not perform his duty? Or, that he did not merit promotion?

Today, many inspectors and other junior policemen hold first degrees in different fields. A few others hold second degrees while some outstanding ones have doctorate degrees. These men risk their lives even at the expense of their families to make the society safe and crime-free but are neglected when promotion exercises are conducted while they still have to cry through the media to get other entitlements due to them.

Ironically, these degree holders, some of them with good grades and aspirations for the job, are subjected to numerous interviews/examinations usually tagged “promotion interviews” or “promotion examinations”by police authorities, only to be dumped on the same level that they were before the exercise. A case in point is the examination that the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) conducted between 10 and 11 March 2007. Many of us later realised, that the so- called interview was a ruse, clandestinely designed to keep the aggrieved graduates among the rank and file at bay and prevent them from joining the higher echelon where they deserve to belong.

It, therefore, behooves on the Police Service Commission and the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, to take a critical but sympathetic view that will assuage the pains of these policemen.

Cpl E. Akharagbon,
Lagos.

Beyond Alao-Akala’s victory

The victory of the governor of Oyo State, Otunba ‘Bayo Alao-Akala at the Election Petition Tribunal can be said to be a victory for democracy. This is because the majority have their way while the minority have their say. 

With the palpable tension that enveloped the state before the judgment, the fact that the parties in the case have taken the verdict with equanimity shows their maturity, respect for rule of law and due process. In fact, it is a good omen for the Pacesetter State.

Another commendable aspect of the development is the olive branch waved by the respondent to the petitioners. The appeal is contained in the post-judgment speech broadcast to the people of the state by the governor. The speech shows the preparedness of the governor to embrace the petitioners in the arduous task of moving the state forward.

To say that the tribunal sitting while it lasted did not slow down the activities of the state government is saying the obvious. The political elite in steeplechase of political power had thrown the state into confusion since 2003. Politics was turned into zero-sum game not because the politicians have any good to deliver but for self aggrandisement. Consequent upon the above, the politicians polarised the rank and file of the non-partisan elite, including traditional rulers into hostile camps with each camp singing discordant tune. In the last five years, Oyo State has had a change of government five times, while the leadership of the legislative arm has also changed five times. Not only that, local government elections have also been held three times. This shows the desperation of our elite for power. 

In this circumstance, the good people of Oyo State were at the receiving end because they were held hostage by those who were supposed to better their lot.

Therefore, it is a big relief that the call to sheath swords came from the governor himself. This means that he discerns the arduous task ahead of him.

Having had his election upheld, the governor should have a sober reflection about the nature of the state and which side of history he wants to belong.

Without being immodest, Alao-Akala, with his track record in public administration is highly qualified for the position he now occupies. In the last ten months, he is steadily on course. Although, the workers’ strike, the statue of the Unknown Soldier and the hike in school fees of Ladoke Akintola University are dark spots of his administration, nevertheless, these are negligible when one juxtaposes them with the major breakthroughs of his administration.

Adewuyi Adegbite,
Apake,
Ogbomoso.