Alkali is indeed lucky to come as the 21st IGP in the 21st century, because for the first time in the history of Nigeria, nature is using him to debunk the old saying that you cannot be a judge and a prosecutor all in one.
By simple definition, the name Alkali stands for judge, and by being a police officer, he is a trained prosecutor. If the law cannot permit the two to come in one, nature has enacted and elevated one to the zenith of the police profession, in the person of Alkali Usman Baba.
However, from his first remarks and body language, IGP Alkali wants to play the prosecutor of the criminals only, and leave the public to play the judge, with the hope that posterity would pass a good verdict on his efforts.To strengthen this resolve, he addressed some officers at the Force Headquarters, shortly after taking over from his predecessor yesterday, where he overviewed some of Nigeria’s security challenges and unveiled his agenda, viz:
1. “It is with total appreciation of Almighty Allah (SWT), the Most Beneficent, that I address you all on this day which marks the formal transfer of leadership of the Nigeria Police Force from the out-going 20th indigenous Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, NPM, mni to my humble self.
2. Being appointed to head the largest Police Force in Africa both in terms of personnel profile and operational jurisdiction is to me, more than a fulfilment of destiny. It is a call to national duty, particularly, at this critical time that our nation is experiencing increasingly complex and pervasive security threats occasioned by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, secessionist agitation and sundry highly organized crimes.
3. Much as the challenge of leading the Force to address these threats in the shortest possible time frame, restore security order, and return our beloved nation to the path of national unity may appear daunting, I am inspired by the fact that from my extensive years of service, I can confidently say that the Nigeria Police is endowed with some of the finest, courageous and patriotic officers who, undoubtedly, shall support me to advance the internal security vision of Mr. President.
4. I am also encouraged by the fact that the outgoing Inspector General of Police has laid a solid foundation and entrenched a culture of professional efficiency in the Force. These will stimulate me in my capacity as the new Acting Inspector General of Police, to strengthen our strategies and provide the requisite leadership that will change the narratives in relation to our operational approach to the current security threats.
5. As IGP Adamu exits the Force, I call on you all to join me in celebrating one of the greatest policing icons of our time and to put on record our immense appreciation of his laudable contributions to the Nigeria Police Force.
6. The task of restoring the primacy of the Nigeria Police in the internal security architecture of the country is the main challenge ahead of us. It is, however, a task that I am convinced we can surmount if we resolve as a people to partner and present a common front against the subversive and criminal elements who are the common enemies of our nation.
7. I am mindful of the yearnings of Nigerians for a policing system that will not only assure them of their safety, but treat them with civility and hold their human rights sacred. I promise to provide the highest possible level of professional and responsive leadership to meet this deserved aspiration. However, I call on the citizens to change their mind sets and be prepared to work with us in the interest of community safety and national security.
8. I wish to immensely thank His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for considering me worthy of this appointment. I am fully conscious of the task ahead and His Excellency’s expectations. By the Grace of Almighty Allah (SWT), I shall not let the nation down.
9. To the Police officers, I call on you to continue to support me with prayers so that this journey we are commencing together today shall lead us to the desired destination.
10. Thank you all for your attendance and pray that Allah’s supreme blessing abide with us as we recommit ourselves to the service of our beloved country.”
As the 21st indigenous Inspector General of Police, Alkali admitted knowing the enormity of challenges facing the country in the 21st century, having served on the management team of the police. “We have tried to do our best, but it’s not enough,” he said.
The new sheriff said he believes in the provision of motivational and credible leadership that would be driven by planning and professionalism, all directed at stabilizing internal security and modernizing police operations within the framework of citizens’ consent, trust and the rule of law.
Furthermore, the brand new IGP pledged to harness all human and material resources of the Force, towards improving security, safety, law and order in the country. “I came in at a very challenging time. I know it. I recognise it and I will work on how to improve from where my predecessor left.” he said.
Because of his good reputation, Alkali has arrived with a lot of goodwill from the public, and evidently cooperative feelings from the police, who have been celebrating his coming. And he seems willing to work towards reciprocating such amiable show of friendliness. “Definitely, we are going to rejig our operational strategies.”
May Allah help him to help us. Ameen.
Ibrahim is a freelance journalist and media practitioner
