The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Usman Baba, has told police officers attached to Very Important Personalities (VIPs) to carry out their duties with professionalism, respect for fundamental rights, rule of law, and civility to the public in line with the code of conduct for Police Officers.
The IG equally condemned the reported harassment and demeaning posture of some of these officers while on duty with their VIPs.
Baba was addressing officers and men of the Ekiti State Police Command yesterday in readiness for Saturday’s election. He affirmed that though it was statutory for the police force to provide aides and escorts for VIPs, ‘such duty must not degenerate to abuse as a result of high-handedness of police officers who have proven to be non-amenable to discipline’.
According to a statement by the Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IG warned that every allegation of unprofessionalism and harassment by VIP aides would be investigated and, if found wanting, adequate and commensurate sanctions will follow.
He encouraged officers and men who have been detailed for election duty in Ekiti to put in their best at all levels, for all and sundry, before, during and after the election.
The police boss also assured the people that his administration is continually committed to bequeathing the nation with a citizen and community oriented police force which will not be used for oppression, suppression and subjugation by any individual.
