EXPECT RADICAL TRANSFORMATION OF POLICE SOON — MINISTER

By NBF NEWS

As part of the Federal Government's resolve to make a difference in the nation's economic and social development, Nigerians have been told to expect the massive transformation of the Nigeria Police Force as the government will pursue its police reform programme with more vigour.

Newly appointed Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Waziri, gave the assurance at a meeting with the top management of the ministry and the Nigeria Police after taking over from the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Bukar Aji.

The minister said that though the time left till the end of the current administration was short, much could be achieved in the reform programme with the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders. He therefore promised to the ensure full implementation of the ministry's 2010 budget.

Waziri said he was aware of the expectations of Nigerians from the police and promised to provide the necessary political and administrative support to enable them improve on their performance. He also assured the ministry's staff of improved welfare to ensure full dedication and loyalty in order to achieve its mandate.

Earlier, the permanent secretary had said a lot of work had been done on the implementation of the police reform programme and hoped the new minister would bring more drive and commitment to it.

He assured the minister of the cooperation and loyalty of the management and staff of the ministry to enable him to achieve his set goals within the short time available.

Also speaking at the occasion, Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ogbonna Onovo, pledged the loyalty of the officers and the rank and file to the new minister and said they remained committed to the provision of better security for all Nigerians.

According to Onovo, the Force is populated with very capable, committed and loyal personnel who are, however, hindered in the performance of their duties by a myriad of problems.