Posted by From Funmi Peter-Omale in Abuja on
As the Federal Government awaits the report of the Judicial Commi-ssion of Inquiry into killings of six Igbo traders in Apo in Abuja, President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday said the policemen responsible would face the full weight of the law. Some policemen are already facing trial over their complicity in the extra-judicial killing of the Apo traders at Gimbiya Street, Abuja.
As the Federal Government awaits the report of the Judicial Commi-ssion of Inquiry into killings of six Igbo traders in Apo in Abuja, President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday said the policemen responsible would face the full weight of the law. Some policemen are already facing trial over their complicity in the extra-judicial killing of the Apo traders at Gimbiya Street, Abuja.
In a message to the Police/Civil Society Interactive Forum on Prevention of Human Rights Violation in Nigeria in Abuja, Obasanjo said with the administrationâ??s zero tolerance for corruption, any member of the Force found to be dishonouring his uniform by engaging in despicable acts would not only be dismissed but prosecuted.
Represented by Police Affairs Minister, Frederick Bozimo, Obasanjo said â??the recent tragic incident in Apo in which six fellow Nigerians lost their lives in circumstances yet to be fully unravelled, is deeply regretted. I wish to use this opportunity to reiterate that the Federal Government is determined to get to the root of the matter. The full weight of the law will be brought to bear on all who are found to have been involved in the perpetration of this most heinous crime.
According to him, "the Nigeria Police Force has a sacred obligation to ensure that its officers and men perform their duties within the limits prescribed by law. It becomes mandatory that the performance of such duties as arrest, detention, search and seizure, and the use of force are strictly regulated and monitored to ensure compliance with internationally accepted standards.â??
He noted that as a signatory to the International Charter on Human Rights as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution, government was honour-bound to make sure that acts that have negative implications for civil liberties in the country were not condoned.
The new Police Force we are building is one dedicated to the service and protection of the people of Nigeria with pride, dignity and consummate professionalism. The new Force has no place for corruption and its attendant ramifications. A corrupt Police Force is an ineffective, inefficient and disrespected Police Force," the President said.
He said the countryâ??s recent history has witnessed instances of gross violations of some of the most basic fundamental human rights.
â??These violations ranged from extra-judicial killings to torture and unlawful detentions. One of the foremost pre-occupations of the present administration was the restoration of unmediated respect for the rule of law and religious commitment to the guarantee of the fundamental rights of every Nigerian to freedom of speech, personal liberty, private and family life, peaceful assembly and association, and the freedom of movement.â??
The President noted that it was a search to evolve a modern, effective and regenerated Police Force that the Federal Government took deliberate measures to modernise and enhance police service delivery.
According to him, a comprehensive five year development plan for the Force had been evolved to address perceived deficient areas of structure, personnel, logistics requ-irements and training.
He listed some of the new restructuring to include the restoration of intensive local and overseas training, community policing, restructuring of the Force Zonal Commands and regular recruitments.
Obasanjo said effective policing was capital intensive the world over, adding that government will continue to meet its obligations while calling on more private sector involvement in providing the needed material and logistical support to Nigerian policemen and women.
Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero, in a welcome address, admitted that there were "operational errors" within the Force, but expressed optimism that there were rooms for improvement towards perfection.
â??It is hoped that with sustained efforts towards enlightenment of officers and men of the Nigeria Police on the need to protect human rights, violations would be completely averted. In line with the intention of the present Police Management Team, respect for human rights would be considered as paramount in discharge of its duties,â?? he said.