Outgoing Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, says policing Lagos is no tea party.

Odumosu who has just been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and is due to retire next month.

He made this known while being honoured by Lagos Lawmakers during plenary at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Odumosu, who led a team of officers to the House, thanked the lawmakers for their support, saying nothing could have been achieved in terms of security and peace in the state without the House’ assistance.

He said he would remain grateful to Lagos and Lagosians for making it possible for him and his team to effectively manage the security of the state and making it the most peaceful in the country.

Odumosu, who described Lagos as a mini-Nigeria, noted that the proactiveness of the Lagos Assembly resulted in the laws that have helped the police remain successful in the state.

“Don’t get tired, don’t relent in making the laws that would make Lagos maintain its place as the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” he said.

Odumosu also promised to encourage his successor to sustain the relationship between the police and the House, while urging the lawmakers to support to him also.

He said the Cultism Prohibition Law has helped to reduce illegal associations in tertiary institutions in the state and also helped with adequate enlightenment of property owners and residents.

“Other laws include the Land Use Charge amendment law which has reduced the activities of land grabbers, the Anti-Open Grazing law, the Neighborhood Safety Corps law.

“This is to ensure synergy among security agencies, the Coronavirus Pandemic Law, which enforcement helped reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“We promise to continue to excel in providing water-tight security for the people of the state,” he told the lawmakers.

The CP also promised that he would encourage his successor to sustain the relationship between the police and the House while urging the lawmakers to extend their support to whoever will take over from him.

He listed other laws that have helped the police to include the Land Use Charge amendment law which has reduced the activities of land grabbers, the Anti-Open Grazing law, the Neighborhood Safety Corps law, which has ensured synergy among security agencies, the Coronavirus Pandemic Law, which enforcement helped reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Transport Sector Amendment law, which has helped with traffic management and the law stopping parade of suspects to protect their fundamental rights.
“We promise to continue to excel in providing water-tight security for the people of the state,” he told the lawmakers.
He also promised that he would encourage his successor to sustain the relationship between the police and the House while urging the lawmakers to extend their support to whoever will take over from him.
“Policing Lagos is not a tea party. Without the laws in Lagos, it would have been difficult to police the state. Don’t get tired, don’t relent in making the laws that would make Lagos state maintain its place as the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” he urged.

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, cautioned police officers against harassment, intimidation and extortion of residents if they want to be respected.

He noted that Odumosu was the first Commissioner of Police to appear in the hallowed chambers and address Lagosians on his experience with policing Lagos because he is considered to have effectively managed the security of the state.

He thanked Odumosu for his openness and responsiveness each time there were issues affecting the peace of the state.

Obasa said Odumosu was honoured as the first commissioner of police to stand before the lawmakers and address the people of Lagos on his experience and issues with policing Lagos.

The speaker added that this was because he was considered to have effectively managed the security of the state.

In their contributions, the lawmakers commended Odumosu for his success, adding that his experience would always be needed in the state even after his retirement.

In his contribution, Hon. Rotimi Olowo (Somolu 1) described Odumosu as a true Lagosian and hardworking policeman, adding that his style of policing was dynamic and people-oriented.
“You ar a true Lagosian and hardworking. Your type is very few in police. You are very accessible to all. You have shown that you are a great police officer per excellence. The way you waded in during crisis when called upon and reconciled parties involved were meticulous and professional. God will continue to strengthen you as you are retiring”, said Olowo.
Hon. Victor Akande ( Ojo 1) commended Odumosu for his success adding that his experience would always be needed in the state even after his retirement.
“I thank God for you on the successes you have recorded in your career. You make Lagos safe and safer for the people of the state. Even as you will be retiring soon, your experience would still be needed in the state”, said Akande.
Taking a swift on the police, Hon. Ibrahim Layode (Badagry 1), charged him to caution his men operating on Agbara-Bagagry road before retiring, adding that the officers have been making life unbearable for road users.