The appointment of former Inspector-General of Police, Sir. Mike Mbama Okiro, as the Chairman of Police Service Commission was received with excitement by Nigerians who have been clamoring for positive changes in the administration of the embattled Nigeria Police. Sunday Vanguard went to town to feel the public pulse over the appointment.
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I read about Okiro's nomination in the papers. I think the president has not made a wrong choice by nominating him. Until square pegs are put in square holes, you cannot achieve the expected result. Okiro, even though I do not know him one on one, is the right person.
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I make bold to say this because being a one-time Inspector-General of Police, he should be abreast of the situation in the police and, with him there, he will be able to make policies that will move the Force forward.
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The police need urgent restructuring. One of the areas I would like Okiro and his commissioners to look into is in the area of recruitment.
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Proper scrutiny and assessment should be carried out on individuals before they are recruited into the police.
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Another area is promotion of police officers, from the rank of Assistant Superintendent
of Police. It has been discovered, for instance, that promotion has not been fair to some people. I know a friend who is currently serving in the NPF. He a CSP while his course mate is the current IGP. Okiro should ensure that due process is followed.
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Arch. Tajudeen Olaifa, CEO Mettles Motors, Kano: This is one nomination that will attract kudos to the President. Okiro has set a pace in this country going by his impeccable records when he was the IGP. He is one detribalized Nigerian and his humanitarian activities transcend tribe or tongue.
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The Nigeria Police would, no doubt, achieve greater heights this time around.