Senior police officers are commending the leadership quality of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Alkali Usman Baba.

In particular, is his non-partisan and firm decision in deploying a non-Northerner to head Lagos State Police Command. This is at the backdrop of rife speculations in Lagos police command and in Force Headquarters (FHQ) Abuja, that the IG may deploy his kinsman to Lagos Police

There were intrigues on who becomes the CP of Lagos State, sequel to promotion and subsequent retirement of immediate past CP Lagos, Hakeem Odumosu who was promoted last year December 2021 to Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police. He later retired last week Tuesday.

CP Abiodun Sylvester Alabi was eventually deployed to replace Odumosu.

Several CPs were said to had been penciled down to replace Odumosu.

Our investigations reveal that, among the several CPs two were most favoured. They include CP Delta State from Nasarawa State, CP Mohammed Ali Ari and the present CP of Lagos, Abiodun Alabi, from Ekiti State. He was in (FHQ) Abuja before being deployed to Lagos.

Several officers who spoke to The SUPREME for choosing Alabi to head Lagos police command, eulogised Alkali’s leadership virtues.

One of them is Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police, DIG Moses Jutobph. He said: “The IG is very matured and professional in taking decisions. He does not apply sentiments. I enjoy working with him. He is better than Adamu (immediate past IGP.)”

Investigations reveal that many senior officers had the feeling that the IG was going to deploy CP Mohammed to Lagos on ethnic consideration.

However, our findings reveal that, Mohammed almost clinch it not on ethnic consideration but on knowledge and experience of Lagos terrain

Another officer who eulogised Alkali’s leadership virtues is a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). He said: “The IG is a father, he does not discriminate. Since he came on board you may agree that policemen are performing in high spirit.”

On the choice of Alabi, he said: “That shows you that he (IGP) does not apply sentiments in posting officers. CP Alabi has vast experience of Lagos like CP Ari. He had served in various capacities exposing him to challenges in Lagos. He therefore knows Lagos terrain like his palm. The CP is a decent officer. We will enjoy working with him.”

Other officers are Area Commanders, Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs). They spoke separately and said: “The IG is a father. One thing we like in him is his maturity and firmness in handling the Force. He does not apply sentiments in taking decisions, but is firm; that is why many of us like him. He is also ensuring that welfare of officers and men is paramount.”

A DPO said he knew the IG in Kaduna years back. “He is a firm officer and does not intimidate his subordinates,” he said.

Two police Inspectors (from Kogi and Ogun states) who pleaded anonymity said: “The IG is trying his best, especially on our welfare. Though our salary increase has not been paid, we believe it will be paid.”

Interestingly, CP Alabi told The SUPREME that, “the IG is a true father who one can always depend on. He is very matured, firm and professional in taking decisions. He has the experience because he has worked in all parts of the country. With his good leadership quality he will earn himself one of the best IGs.”

Alabi said he is grateful to the IG for choosing him among others in deploying him in Lagos. He assured: “With God on our side l will not disappoint him in the task of fighting crime in Lagos. We will put in our best by tackling crime decisively to a tolerable level. We however need the cooperation of the citizens.” (Sourced from The SUPREME)

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