The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has affirmed that 90% of officers of the Nigeria Police Force are professional and doing well, urging police pubic relations officer to make effort to interact with members of the public have engagement with people and enlighten them on activities of the Nigeria Police Force.
Governor Oborevwori said this today, 18th November, 2024 at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Conference of Police, PR Roles, and Communications Experts Asaba with the theme, "Strengthening Nigeria Police Force Oversight and Accountability Mechanism" at Unity Hall, Government House Asaba, Delta State.
Governor Oborevwori noted that the Police are doing a lots to restore peace to communities, villages, and states, adding that if they are not doing very well, there will be no peace, there will be no investment. He advise police spokespersons to let Nigerians know what the NPF are doing.
Declaring the 4-day conference open, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun said today's conference presents an invaluable opportunity to reflect on NPF progress, share best practices, and outline a definitive course for enhancing oversight and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.
IIGP Egbetokun stressed that in NPF mission to engage the youth and broader global community, the Nigeria Police Force has amplified its outreach efforts utilizing a blend of traditional and digital platforms to build trust and encourage collaboration.
"Our strategic use of social media ensures that grievances, especially those concerning officer conduct, are addressed promptly and transparently. For family disputes and other less severe matters, we advocate for alternative dispute resolution methods, promoting amicable settlements that uphold fairness and ensure accountability. The influence of this media in shaping public perception is immense and cannot be overstated.
"Recognizing this, we consider the media a vital ally for advocacy and accountability. Therefore, we have bolstered our partnerships with both traditional and digital media outlets to ensure that the portrayal of police activities is fair and balanced. While it is acknowledged that a small fraction of our personnel may misbehave or conduct themselves unprofessionally, drawing public criticism and contamination, it is essential to recognize that the vast majority of our officers are dedicated, professional, and honourable.
"We will not allow the commitment of this vast majority of our officers to safeguarding the nation to be overshadowed by the actions of few bad elements in our midst.We remain focused on reinforcing the professionalism that defines our force, ensuring that the public continues to hold a high regard for our organization. Our partnerships with journalists and media outlets are built on the principles of advocacy, objectivity, and constructive criticism." he said
IGP Egbetokun opined that such improvements are critical for fostering trust and cooperation, enabling police officers to manage obligations more effectively and engage with the community on a more meaningful level. This initiative not only boosts NPF capacity for responsiveness, but also solidifies NPF dedication to maintaining open lines of communication with the citizens they serve. "Accountability forms the cornerstone of public trust, and our unwavering commitment to enhancing oversight within the Nigerian Police Force is a testament to this principle.
"We have bolstered the capabilities of the Complaint Response Unit to ensure swift and thorough investigations into public grievances concerning police conduct. The CRO has been enhanced with a 24-7 feedback platform, allowing citizens to report incidents of misconduct as they occur. This initiative not only improves our responsiveness, but also reinforces our dedication to transparency and justice, ensuring that every citizen's voice can be heard and acted upon promptly.
"Furthermore, we have significantly enhanced the functionality of the Public Complaint Bureau, established under the first order, to enhance its service delivery concerning public grievances. The BCB is now fully operational within every public division's office nationwide, providing an easily accessible platform for citizens to report police misconduct. Swiftly investigated and where warranted, corrective measures are properly enacted.
"This robust system does not merely address grievances. It actively fortifies our dedication to accountability, ensuring our actions align with our principles of service and integrity.
He therefore urge members of the public to utilize the effective services of this unit, which have been established in all states of the Federation, to report police misconduct, rather than resorting to social media.
IGP Egbetokun encouraged each participant to actively engage in these deliberations with the aim of emerging with practical recommendations that will prepare us forward in NPF collective mission.
"Together, we have crafted a robust, more responsive police force to safeguard and serve all Nigerians effectively. As we reaffirm our commitment to this vital mission, let us not forget that the Nigerian Police Force is the suffragette of the people. Our authority stems from the trust and confidence bestowed upon us by the citizens we protect.
"United, we are committed to forging a more accountable, transparent, and responsive police force, a force that embodies hope and provides unwavering security for all Nigerians, standing as a pillar of safety and integrity in our society." he noted
IGP Egbetokun hoped that the discussion at this conference will bring forth productive results that will benefit both the Nigerian Police Force and the nation as a whole.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi extends heartfelt thanks to all partners and supporters who steadfastly uphold the vision of a more accountable and transparent Nigeria Police Force. A special acknowledgement is due to the Delta State Government and the good people of Delta State for their gracious support and hospitality in hosting this significant conference.
"We are profoundly grateful to organizations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, the Clean Foundation, and International Alert, whose invaluable partnerships have been pivotal in enhancing our ability to fulfil our responsibilities.
"We also appreciate the diverse contributions from institutions, civil society groups, and individuals across various sectors. Your engagement has been crucial in driving reforms and building trust between the police and the communities we serve." he said
The 4-Day PPROs7 Police Communication Experts Conference has over 150 participants, which include Command Public Relations Officers from the 36 states and the FCT, Zonal Public Relations Officers, Liaison Officers from various Police departments and formations, Staff Officers from the Force Public Relations Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, and strategic communication experts.