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Dr. Sam Rumala |
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Iseghohi. I will continue to develop effective strategies to combat crime |
Commissioner Paul Iseghohi was recently in New York, USA
attending the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives conference (NOBLE). The organization is committed to conducting
research and sponsoring programs that lead to the formation of policies and procedures to improve the delivery of law enforcement
services.
Iseghohi was appointed commissioner of Niger State at a time when serious problems of violent crime, including armed
robbery, homicide, drugs, gangs and rape were prevalent. Being dissatisfied with the status quo and committed to bringing new direction
and leadership; Iseghohi’s concept is that of an effective police force that can respond to people’s needs and protect citizens despite
race, tribe, gender or religion. In fact, the few months, he has spent in Niger State as commissioner has seen drastic decrease in
violent crime and robbery. These were all achieved through strategic initiatives, putting criminals in jail without compromise, and
adopting undercover operation tactics.
In an interview conducted by Dr. Samuel Rumala, Commissioner Iseghohi responded to the
following questions regarding the challenges he faces, his initiatives, and the resources currently available for policing Niger State.
What
challenges do you face as a police commissioner?
The challenge of combating crime, which takes staggering financial toll on communities
across Niger State and Nigeria and brings about poverty. I understand that security is the backbone of economic development, tourism,
trade and commerce; living without security is comparable to operating a car without gasoline or engine oil.
What are your current,
short and long term Initiatives?
The following initiatives have been or are in the process of being introduced, with other projects
to commence as restructuring continue:
It is clear from the above initiatives that Sir Iseghohi understands the impact of crime on victims and communities, and the direct impact of criminal behavior on the health of communities; hence it makes sense to reduce it.
What other than Personnel Resources are supporting Niger State Police Department?
When
I was appointed Commissioner 14 months ago, there was not a single functioning vehicle in this organization. To address this issue,
the Chief Servant of Niger State provided much needed financial support by allocating funds to refurbish 40 vehicles. In addition,
through the Police Equipment Fund, the Inspector General of Police has made available police patrol vehicles for use in the State.
The Chief Servant is also securing quotations from suppliers to supply the police force with much needed equipment required to effectively
perform their job responsibilities. The Inspector General of Police has also embarked on an aggressive housing scheme in the
state and throughout other states in the federation to further enhance police productivity. Today,
Commissioner Iseghohi’s fact file
1976 – Joined the Nigeria Police force as a
Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police posted to Oyo State
1979 – Completed Mobile Anti-Riot Police Officer training
1983 – Attended
a Traffic Course
1984 – Completed Postgraduate course in Administration
1984 to
19 87 – Held several positions as Traffic Officer, Division
Crime Officer, Division Police Officer
1987 – Attended the Intermediate Command Course & Staff College, Jos. Thereafter, held several
positions as Area Commander
1998 – Graduate of Senior Command Course at the Staff College, Jos.
2000 – Promoted to the rank of Deputy
Commissioner. Made force provost marshal and also represented the interest of the police at National Assemble until July 2001.
2001 - Posted to Ebony State as Deputy Commissioner of Police, and relocated to several states.
2004 - Promoted Substantiate Commissioner
of Police in Kebbi State. Relocated to Ebony State and served in Benue State, and at the Police HQ, Abuja as commissioner in charge
of training.
2007 – Relocated to Niger State, June 1 as the Commissioner of Police
Iseghohi has been a good commissioner who has performed
well, but would have achieved much more with better resources to fight crime. He has strategically combated violent crime and continues
to keep armed robbers at bay in Niger State in the last one year despite the challenges – H e emphasized that Niger State is no haven
for criminals. His mission is simply to enhance the quality of life in Niger State by enforcing the law.
Nigerlites credit police commissioner for introducing policies that led to better-trained and more articulate police officers; he has the skills and leadership style to engender wide national support, but the community and government must be willing and ready to give him full support.
