The new Commissioner of Police in charge of Western Ports, Mrs Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison has decried the current state of Kirikiri Police barracks meant for officers under her command.
While speaking yesterday when she visited the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) headquarters in Apapa, Lagos on a familirisation tour, she admitted the deplorable condition of the barrack also known as ‘transit camp’.
She said the barracks was in a “sorry state” lacking basic amenities such as sewage system and electricity.
She however vowed to draw the attention of the police hierarchy to the condition of the barrack.
She said, “The barracks is really in a sorry state and that boils down to our culture, values and our lack for maintenance culture. We must imbibe culture of maintenance at all level.
“I have written a memo on this to submit to superior officers on the deplorable conditions of the barracks but the memo was not submitted because the meeting was cancelled but anytime the meeting is recalled, I will submit it.
“The welfare of police officers is in the heart of the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba and I assure that something will be done.”
The police commissioner also solicited the support of NAGAFF to fight crime in and around the port.
She said, “Security is everybody’s business and cannot be left in the hand of one person, we must collaborate to do the right thing.
“We are your servants and the masters must work with us to ensure we work well, you are our eyes and ears because the police cannot see all. We must rely on you to be our eyes and ears.”
She however urged all freight forwarders to ensure they comply with the laws especially when doing business in the port even as she frowned at the the culture of bribery and corruption that had eaten deep into the fabrics of the police saying any officers caught in the act would face the music.
“Bribery demean a man and it demeans the force, any officer found wanting will pay for it.
“Maintain your stand, do not give bribe to officers anymore. There is no place in the law that allows for bribery, it is a cankerworm and we must all agree to fight it together,” she stated.
The founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam assured the police of his association’s support in making Lagos ports crime free.
He however warned members of the association to obey the laid down rules and regulations.
He said, “NAGAFF will support you to ensure that you achieve your vision and make the western port crime free. To the agents, for you to be the friend of the CP you must respect the rules of engagement, the rules and regulations.”
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