A security expert and founder of GPIL Security Solution Ltd
Peter Okewu on Friday advocated the amendment of the Police Act to
boost the police’s independence.
He said this will stimulate greater efficiency and protect the
police from political abuse.
Okewu told The Nation that one of the reasons why the police
appear incompetent is because of interference by politicians.
According to him, when the police get to the scene of an
incident and begin performing their duties, they are interrupted by
persons seeking to pervert the course of justice.
“Different calls from higher authorities start coming in,
ordering the release of those in custody; failure to comply,
usually result in a life threat and or a step toward losing one’s
job,” Okewu said.
He was part of a meeting with a Police Area Commander in Lagos
and heard first-hand the challenges the police face in this
regard.
Okewu also blamed eyewitnesses for some police failures.
According to him, sometimes when attempting to make an arrest,
eyewitnesses defend suspects and obstruct the police.
“How then does anyone expect effectiveness from such a
‘handicapped’ police force? This is a serious matter to worry
about,” he said.
Poor welfare, Okewu noted, was another major challenge rendering
the police ineffective.
He said: “A man becomes dedicated to his job when he knows that
it is worth it and when he is aware that in the course of
discharging his duty, if he loses his life, his family will be
cared for.”
The security expert connected poor welfare to the culture of
some policemen demanding for appreciation from citizens visiting
their office.
“If not, you will not be properly attended to,” he said.
Okewu further identified inadequate work materials as another
reason for police failures.
He said if all these things are provided, the police would have
no excuse for inefficiency in a civilized society.
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