The Lagos State Police Command has taken swift action against a police inspector who made inflammatory remarks about former Anambra governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in a viral video. The inspector, whose identity has not been disclosed, was seen and heard making political and ethnic remarks while aboard a public transport. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that the command had identified the officer and had begun disciplinary proceedings against him.
According to Adebisi, the inspector's statements were made in his personal capacity and did not represent the position, views or official disposition of the command or the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The PPRO emphasized that the command was committed to transparency and accountability and would not condone conduct capable of bringing the NPF into disrepute. The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the inspector's remarks as unprofessional and divisive.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Lagos, Mr Fatai Tijani, has reiterated the need for professionalism, civility and discipline among personnel. In a statement, Tijani warned that the command would not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the police. He emphasized that wearing the police uniform came with the responsibility to uphold the integrity and reputation of the NPF.
The viral video showed the inspector making claims about Obi's suitability for the presidency and alleging that he was a criminal and a “Yahoo” person. He further suggested that President Bola Tinubu would use his financial resources to defeat Obi in an election, while claiming that an Igbo man could not become president of Nigeria. The remarks have been widely criticized as inflammatory and unprofessional.
Adebisi said the command remained committed to transparency, accountability and policing with humility and integrity. She emphasized that all personnel were expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. The incident has raised concerns about the conduct of some police officers and the need for greater accountability within the force.
The Lagos police command has assured the public that it would not tolerate any form of misconduct or unprofessional behavior from its personnel. The command has urged the public to report any incidents of police misconduct or unprofessional behavior. The inspector's disciplinary proceedings are ongoing, and it is unclear what sanctions he may face.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the role of the police in Nigerian society and the need for greater accountability and professionalism within the force. The police have a critical role to play in maintaining law and order, but they must do so in a way that respects the rights and dignity of all Nigerians. The Lagos police command's swift action against the inspector is seen as a positive step towards addressing concerns about police conduct.
Key points
- The Lagos police command has begun disciplinary proceedings against a police inspector who made inflammatory remarks about former Anambra governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
- The inspector's remarks were made in his personal capacity and did not represent the position, views or official disposition of the command or the Nigeria Police Force.
- The Lagos police command has reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and policing with humility and integrity.
