The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon E. Arase, on behalf of the Police High Command, officers and men of the Force, heartily felicitated with Christians in Nigeria as they join their counterparts across the globe to joyfully celebrate this year’s Christmas.
While reminding Christians of the very significance of Christmas – the holy birth of Jesus Christ – the IGP enjoins them to emulate and imbibe the worthy virtues, principles and teachings of Christ, by being open minded to issues of peace, forgiveness and harmonious co-existence, especially, at this auspicious moment in the history of our country.
Meanwhile, to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Christmas celebration the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command Commissioners of Police to take all necessary measures to ensure the provision of adequate security across the country before, during and after the celebration. CPs are to personally, ensure that key and vulnerable points including: shopping malls, motor parks, financial houses, places of worship, recreation centres and other public places are adequately and effectively protected, to enable holiday makers, worshippers and the general public enjoy maximum fulfilment.
The IGP warns officers who will be deployed during the period, to ensure that they comport themselves and act within the confines of the law. They must be firm but polite, civil and professional in the discharge of their assigned roles, giving due regard and respect to the fundamental human rights of citizens at all times.
On the other hand, in the spirit of the season, the IGP expresses his gratitude to Nigerians for their cooperation, patience and understanding all through 2015, particularly in the face of daunting national security challenges. He sues for peace from all Nigerians, irrespective of religious, political and socio-cultural leaning, expressing the belief that the country’s multifarious challenges, including that of security, are surmountable with all hands on deck.
The IGP equally uses this medium to pay tribute to all officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, for their dedication, tireless courage and selfless service to father-land and humanity. He restates his resolve and commitment to reposition the Force, bargain for better welfare package and a more humane and conducive working condition for Police personnel. He commiserates with families of patriotic members of the Force who, like the heroes they truly are, paid the supreme price in the out-going year, to ensure that Nigerians enjoy peace and security.
A statement by Force PRO, Olabisi Kolawole, said the IGP seeks the prayers, support and understanding of Nigerians, assuring that by God’s grace, the battle against crime and criminality will eventually be won.
