Monarch charges police on public confidence

A traditional ruler in Oyo State, the Akibio of Ilora, Oba Stephen Olufemi Oparinde Ilufemiloye 1, has said the test of police efficiency is the absence of crime and disorder, and not the visible evidence of police action in dealing with them.
Oba Oparinde stated this during the inauguration of a new Divisional Police Command in Ilora town, Afijio local government area by the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Leye Oyebade.
The royal father, who is also Chairman of the Local Government Traditional Council, noted that “ in the past, besides inability to conduct high visibility patrols, both motorized and on foot, Police interaction with the public was awful. This was in addition to loss of public confidence and cooperation in tracking down criminals, thus grossly lacking in putting up efficiency, thoroughness, courtesy, integrity, impartiality, attitude, tact, temper and tolerance.”
All these inequities, he pointed out, necessitated the need for
effective community policing which has become not only a burning national discourse, but the fulcrum of police authorities under the dynamic leadership of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase.
“Consequently and in line with the on-going war against corruption by the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, Police must maintain at all times a relationship with the public that gives reality to historic tradition that the police are the public, and that the public are the police. The Police, being only members of the public are paid to give
full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interest of the community welfare and existence.”
He argued that in a democratic society, the police are entrusted by their fellow citizens to protect and serve the public’s fundamental rights, liberty, equality and justice under the law.
To fulfil that role, Oba Oparinde submitted that the Police must be part of the communities they serve, hence they
must seek to serve democratic and humanitarian ideals, as well as be seen to be transparent, fair, apolitical, accountable and responsive to public perceptions and expectations.
Describing the state Police Commissioner as a committed, dedicated, intelligent and upright officer whose actions and deeds toward ensuring a crime-free society remain a source of inspiration, the traditional ruler also lauded existing cordial relationship between the community, as well as officers and men of the Police Force.