The Lagos State Police Command has commenced disciplinary action against an Inspector of Police, Osumah Frank, for making derogatory remarks against the Igbos and the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi.
Mr Osumah was seen in a viral video stating that, “Ibo can never become president”, “Small boy who does not want to respect elder”, “Go and sell you Okrika”, “Even if he wins, we’ll take the money, deal with him, and he won’t enter that place”, “he’ll waste all his money and strength”, “it’s not yet his turn, until when he’s old, like 80 or 90-years-old”, and “Atiku versus Tinubu, take Obi out of this matter”, “Who will give Ibo man or woman chance to become president of this country?”
The errant officer, who also alleged that Mr Obi is involved in rituals and that he will turn Abuja into a hotbed for fraud, also stated that, “Obi is too small to stand where Atiku and Tinubu are talking”, “This time around, they’ll put him in fifth position”, “Obi is a criminal, Igbo smoker, Yahoo”, “It’s better he leaves these elderly men to be controlling us, if Atiku can defeat Tinubu, it’s accepted.”
Condemning the officer’s action, however, the spokesperson for the command, Abimbola Adebisi, said in a statement on Friday that his comments neither represent the position of the command nor that of the Nigeria Police Force.
Mrs Abimbola said, “In keeping with the Lagos State Police Command’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the Command wishes to state that the Inspector of Police who appeared in the viral video making careless, inappropriate and uncultured remarks while travelling in public transport has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank.
“The command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force; it also wishes to make it clear that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.”
Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai reiterated that all personnel must always maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public.
He stated that wearing the police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force and that the command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.