Don't Allow Anybody Intimidates you, Mbu urges Police Officers

The Commandant, Police Staff College, Jos, Mr Joseph Mbu, has advised police officers to
remain bold and never allow anyone to harass or intimidate them.

Mbu made this known when he addressed Deputy and Assistant Commissioners of Police, who had completed the Strategic Leadership Command Course 2 in Jos on Friday.

“You must read your police laws and know your powers; you must ensure that you do not abuse such powers.

“Once you know those laws, be guided by them and carry out your duties diligently without any fear; never allow anyone, especially politicians, to cajole, harass or intimidate you.’’

Mbu described the police job as a “very difficult one’’, saying that it should be treated like an egg that would break if held too tightly, but would equally fall, if held too lightly.

He advised the officers to behave like senior officers, pointing out that they would be treated like junior officers if they behaved like hapless junior men.

The commandant harped on the need for hard work and integrity, saying that their service would be a “total nullity” if it was done without integrity decency, respect and discipline.

“There is something you must always keep in your head; you’re kept there to protect the poor and the helpless; you must respect the job and strive to ensure that you do not disgrace the force.’’

He said the efforts of the policemen were never appreciated, noting that they were usually heavily vilified for any slight mistake, while their accomplishments were never highlighted, much less rewarded.

“We do so much for the Nigerian society; we hit back at armed robbers and recover stolen bullion vans.

“We also engage in several battles with criminals and terrorists, but once there is one slight mistake by one officer, all our achievements become useless.

“The media and public will hammer on only that one mistake.”

He described the police work as the hardest in the society, and called for more funding of the force for optimal productivity.

Mbu said that the police job was a very busy one where its personnel even forget their families in the course of their service to the nation.

“There is always tension. Once it starts from the Inspector General, it gets down to all of us.

“The IGP is usually faced with so many challenges and will have to do so many things at the same time.

“But amidst all the challenges, we must trudge on. No police officer should be a coward.

 “We must look at leaders, be them politicians or anybody, and tell them the truth. We must tell the consequences of any evil deed they are mooting.

“Sometimes, they can tell you that they are the Chief Security Officers, but it is only with that truth that you can earn your respect.’’

He said that policemen were good people, and called for more confidence from members of the public to help the force to carry out its statutory mandate.

The police chief lauded the officers for their commitment to the college, especially the projects they executed.

He was particularly impressed with the three boreholes the course members sank to ease the water shortage in the college.

“Water is essential to life; you have sewn water and you will reap a hundredfold,’’ he said.

Earlier, ACP Sunday Odukoya, who spoke on behalf of the participants, said they sunk three boreholes and renovated the common room as parting gift for the college.

Odukoya said that the team also purchased curtains, a television set as well as a DSTV satellite dish for the common room. (NAN)