IGP Egbetokun: Lessons from Commissioners Barde and Emeka’s Political Imbroglios and the Call for Proactive Leadership -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

In the intricate dance between policing and politics, the recent removal and reassignments of Police Commissioners Ahmed Barde and Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka from Imo state and Rivers state respectively unveil a multifaceted interplay, intertwining the psychological, societal, and political dimensions of their tenure.

Rivers state Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent address to the new Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, carries a weighty message, emphasizing the imperative for learning from the past and ensuring focused commitment to core responsibilities. This call resonates not only with Disu but also extends to Aboki Danjumai, the replacement for Police Commissioner Ahmed Barde in Imo State. The backdrop of allegations against former Commissioners in Imo and Rivers States, involving them in political matters rather than prioritizing public safety, raises critical concerns. The involvement of these officers may be attributed to various Nigerian factors, including immense pressure, compromise, fear, or vulnerability. However, none of these factors excuses a departure from their fundamental duty as police officers.

A review of the core elements of policing in society reveals its role as the cornerstone for maintaining public order, ensuring citizen safety, and upholding the rule of law. Policing involves preventing and addressing activities that disrupt public order, responding to incidents of crime, civil unrest, and emergencies, and collaborating with other agencies to apprehend individuals involved in criminal acts. Effective policing extends beyond law enforcement actions; officers are expected to engage with the community, build trust, and establish positive relationships through community policing initiatives. Treating everyone equally and fairly.

Upholding and enforcing the laws of the land is a vital responsibility of law enforcement, and officers must ensure that individuals adhere to legal regulations. Law enforcement agencies often serve as the first responders to emergencies, necessitating quick and effective responses to minimize harm and protect lives.

At the heart of policing lies a delicate psychological balance, where officers grapple with the pressures of public expectations, political influence, and an unwavering commitment to personal ethics. The narratives of Barde and Emeka serve as cautionary tales, illustrating the potential consequences when the noble pursuit of police work becomes entangled in the intricate web of political maneuvering. The societal fallout is palpable, with public trust eroded and the fabric of democracy strained under the weight of perceived impropriety.

Politics, with its ever-shifting power dynamics, must not compromise the ethical bedrock of policing. The imperative for police officers to remain neutral, resisting the role of political pawns, cannot be overstated. The erosion of trust in law enforcement is the bitter aftermath when officers are perceived as instruments of political agendas rather than guardians of justice.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, in making these sudden changes, appears to have been more reactive than proactive. The elevated pressure from the Nigerian people likely played a significant role in prompting these decisions. The removal of Commissioners Barde and Emeka followed public discontent and accusations of their involvement in political matters, underscoring the influence of public sentiment on policing decisions. However, the critique lies in the fact that these changes might have been more effective if they were initiated earlier and preceded by a comprehensive assessment of the situations in each state. A proactive leadership stance would have entailed the IGP taking swift, preemptive measures to address potential issues, such as temporarily relocating the commissioners to thoroughly investigate the allegations against them and assess the overall state of policing in the respective regions.

The clarion call for proactive leadership from the IGP transcends mere administrative prerogatives; it is a moral imperative. Waiting for crises to prompt change risks not only further erosion of public confidence but exacerbates societal tensions. The IGP’s role as a guardian of law and order demands foresight, strategic planning, and an unwavering dedication to the timeless principles of justice.

The recent reshuffling of Commissioners of Police in Imo and Rivers States underscores the importance of the timeliness and nature of the IGP’s response. While public pressure undoubtedly influenced the decisions to remove Commissioners Barde and Emeka, the primary criticism is that these changes could have been more effective if initiated earlier, preceded by a comprehensive assessment of the situations in each state. A proactive leadership stance, as argued, would have entailed the IGP taking swift, preemptive measures to address potential issues. This could have involved temporarily relocating the commissioners for a thorough investigation of the allegations against them and an assessment of the overall state of policing in their respective regions.

In evaluating leadership, it is acknowledged that citizen engagement and public outcry play a role in shaping decisions. However, the essence of effective and proactive leadership lies in anticipating challenges, taking preemptive actions, and ensuring that law enforcement remains above political considerations. While the recent decisions by the IGP address immediate concerns, they prompt reflection on the need for leadership that not only responds to public pressure but also takes proactive steps to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the police force.

In the intricate dance between leadership, citizen engagement, and law enforcement, it is imperative to strike a balance that ensures the autonomy and trustworthiness of the police force. While the recent decisions address immediate concerns, they prompt a reflection on the need for leadership that not only reacts to public pressure but proactively takes measures to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the police force. The evolving narrative in Nigeria’s policing landscape highlights the importance of leaders who anticipate challenges, take preemptive actions, and ensure that law enforcement remains a steadfast guardian of public safety, free from political influences.

From the empathetic vantage point, it’s worth extending a compassionate note to Commissioners Barde and Emeka. Beyond the professional realm, the abrupt changes in leadership, while prompted by negative evaluations of their performance, bear implications for their own physical and psychological well-being. These sudden upheavals, particularly for middle-aged individuals with established careers, can be emotionally taxing. The toll isn’t limited to them alone; their families, whether residing with them or at a distance, are invariably affected. The upheaval in their professional lives inevitably ripples into the personal sphere. It’s a reminder, perhaps, to approach these transitions with a degree of humanity, recognizing that behind the titles and positions are individuals navigating not just career shifts but a multifaceted spectrum of human experiences. Amidst the tumultuous dance of reshuffling, a bit of empathetic advice could go a long way in mitigating the broader impact on their lives and those connected to them.

In this intricate interplay between policing and politics, it becomes crucial to emphasize the potential consequences for police leaders who allow themselves to become entangled in political webs. When law enforcement officials compromise their impartiality, they risk being used as pawns in political maneuvers. As evidenced by the unfortunate cases of Commissioners Barde and Emeka, politicians may exploit these leaders to serve their agendas, only to abandon them when they face trouble. This serves as a stark reminder for all police officials to learn from these experiences, recognizing that entanglement in political affairs can lead not only to reshuffling but potentially to dismissal or even legal repercussions. While acknowledging the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) reactive responsiveness to public concerns, it is essential to praise his decisive action. Although the IGP’s approach may have been more reactive than proactive, the acknowledgment of the need for change and swift decisions deserves commendation, highlighting a commitment to addressing public dissatisfaction and maintaining the integrity of the police force.

I strongly recommend that the content of this writing, along with other writings on policing by this writer, be presented audibly during police leadership meetings, officer training sessions, and integrated into continuous education programs for police settings. Its insightful content can serve as both preparatory and guiding material, fostering a better understanding and enhancing the professional development of law enforcement personnel.

In conclusion, as a developing society teetering on the precipice of progress, the delicate intertwining of policing and politics demands meticulous navigation. The profound lessons gleaned from the experiences of Commissioners Barde and Emeka underscore the necessity for psychological resilience, societal commitment to democratic values, and a proactive policing approach that safeguards the very integrity of law enforcement. As Nigeria charts its course toward a brighter future, the harmonious coexistence of effective policing, political neutrality, and societal trust emerges not merely as a goal but as a foundational pillar upon which the destiny of the nation is intricately woven. Barde, Emeke, Since all this how market, Learn from this wahalaooo!

John Egbeazien Oshodi

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and a contributing faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA. He is a Human Rights Psychologist with a focus on African related environments. john.oshodi@mail.waldenu.edu