Abuja
A civil society organisation, Arise Nigeria Initiative (ANI), has called on the House of Representatives to leave the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, alone to perform his constitutional duties.
A statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Amos Gizzor, was reacting to calls by members of the House of Representatives, demanding the sack of the IGP over what they called “woeful failure” to handle security issues in the country.
It said the IGP has performed credibly well in tackling the various security situations in the country and should not be judged by the killings in Benue state.
The statement read in part: “Idris is an officer with impeccable track records who earned his position at the top echelon of the force. We as a group identify with this fine service man who has done well for the country.
“It is under Idris that we saw massive fight against Kidnapping, armed robbery and corruption in the force. Based on his achievements, we want him to be allowed to continue his work of securing lives and property of Nigerian.”
It added that the issue of herders, farmers’ clashes in the country did not start during his tenure, and wondered why he should be held accountable despite his numerous efforts in fighting the menace.
“We recall that the Benue state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, told newsmen in Makurdi that the officer who was being searched and returned hale and hearty and had even joined his colleagues at his primary duty post.
“We expect that the force should be commended for this and fight against hardened kidnappers and armed robbers arrested recently and, for ensuring peace in many parts of the country.”
The group’s spokesperson further said the IGP Ibrahim Kpotun Idris ‘is already working on community policing where most of these vices in the society will be addressed.”
The statement said the police “are currently registering its presence in the 36 states of the federation in tackling various crimes despite the problem of lack of enough man power and funding.”
