Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, Hakeem Odumosu has enjioned newly promoted officers in the command to justify their elevation by doubling their dedication and commitment to duties.

Odumosu, who remarked that promotion comes with more responsibility, also charged to shun all acts of corruption and misconduct that can taniash their image and that of the Force.

The police boss gave the advice at the decoration ceremony of some of the officers of his Command who were among those recently promoted by the Police Service Commission.

Speaking further, he charged them to always treat civilians with the fear of God, while reminding them that they were once civilians prior to their enlistment as policemen.

The Commissioner reminded the officers that the Nigeria Police as an institution derives its authority from the populace as enshrined in the Constitution, so officers should treat members of the public with respect.

He urged the newly promoted officers to always remember that since their enlistment in the Nigeria Police Force and progression on various ranks over the years, they had lost some of their colleagues on different ranks to death.

“Therefore, you must continue to appreciate God for keeping you alive and being promoted, ” Odumosu remarked.

He also charged them to always remain grateful to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu whom God used to promote them out of hundreds of other officers, adding that the Lagos State Command has the highest number of promoted officers in the recent exercise.

While congratulating them on their new ranks, Odumosu reminded them that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

He therefore emphasized the need for them to always take responsibility for their actions which must be in accordance with extant rules of the Force.

The Lagos police boss reminded them of the maxim that “handling the rifle is a death warrant” but depending on how one handles it.
He also harped on the fact that on whatever level, from the rank of corporal, more responsibilities go with each rank and prayed God to guide them on their new ranks.

He charged the officers to always display exemplary character for their subordinates to emulate even as he reminded them of the concept of vicarious responsibility’applicable in some circumstances in the Force.

“As you carry out your responsibilities on your new rank, bear in mind that certain challenges would arise to test your knowledge, ability and capacity” he advised.

While charging the newly promoted officers to carry themselves in dignified manners that correlate with their new ranks, the police boss encouraged them to allow their new ranks to reflect positively on the life style of their families. “Carry the new rank with highest esteem” he said.

While reminding the officers of the bad image some police personnel have given the Force over the years, he tasked them to jettison whatever evil practice that had been associated with their old ranks so that the Inspector General of Police would not regret approving their new promotion.

Speaking in the same vein, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations at the Lagos Command, Mohammed Ali urged the officers to strictly abide by all what the Commissioner had said.

Adding that the promoted officers are gradually getting to managerial level as supervisors, Ali told the officers that they would not have any hiding place and would be held responsible for their inability to lead well.

” You will be judged by your rank,, your punishment will be commensurate with your rank” DCP Ali counseled.

Also admonishing the officers, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge Admin/ Finance DCP Quoa Etim urged the officers to prepare for a higher responsibilities, adding that they are expected to take over the mantle of leadership as some of their bosses retire.

He also tasked them to ensure their family members benefit from the goodies that come with the promotion.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Yetunde Longe who also counseled the promoted officers, implored them to carry the rank with dignity.

Decorated at the ceremony were Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer; Bala Elkana, head of Operations unit, Lagos State Taskforce, Sunday Ikhayere whos promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) amongst others.

A total number of 651 personnel including Inspectors were promoted to their next rank in Lagos Command, with Lagos being the highest beneficiary of the exercise announced by the Police Service Commission.

The breakdown shows one Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner, 34 from Deputy Superintendent to Superintendent (SP), Seven Assistant Superintendent to Deputy Superintendent (DSP), five to Assistant Superintendent (ASP II), 609 Inspectors to Assistant Superintendent.

However, only officers who are currently serving at the Command Headquarters were decorated at the ceremony while others will be decorated by their respective Area Commanders and Sectional heads.