The new Commissioner of Police, Western Ports, Mrs Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison, on Thursday said that maritime operators who contravene ports rules and regulations would face the full weight of the law.
Harrison gave the warning during a courtesy visit to the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in Lagos.
According to her, bribery is a canker worm killing the growth of the maritime industry and must be nipped in the bud.
“We all see, we all do and we are doing nothing about it. It is so sad and so painful because bribery diminishes a man. It is very shameful.
“If you fear God and respect yourself, you will not take bribe and you will not be corrupt,’’ she said.
She warned that the law does not allow bribery and corruption and urged maritime stakeholders to guard against bribing security operative.
Ibifuro-Harrison also urged operators to collaborate in ensuring that the laws were not breached because the growth and development of the nation depends maritime activities.
“Anything that will breach the security of the country will never be tolerated. It must be put in check. Give us information to serve you better,” she said.
She promised to inculcate the attitude of hard work, diligence, integrity, honesty and good work ethics to officers that would help to create an efficient police working force in the Western command.
She urged all stakeholders to improve and sustain the existing peace in the port by ensuring that information was given when necessary to nib activities of criminals in the bud.
In his remark, Chief Boniface Aniebonam, Founder of NAGAFF, said it was good that it would no longer be business as usual for those who would continue to flaunt the laws at the ports.
Aniebonam advised members to avoid breaching the laws and to be alert and provide necessary information for effective policing of the ports.
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