The President, Nigerian Union of Mines Workers on Thursday says the appointment of Usman Alkali Baba as Inspector General of Police is well-deserved elevation, stating that one of the hallmarks of the new IG is fearlessness and an astute disposition to justice in the discharge of responsibility.
President of the Union, Comr Hamza Muhammad who dropped the hint while fielding questions from our correspondent in Abuja on Thursday, said: ‘I am a unionist and as you know, unionists would hardly praise an individual or an authority except such an individual exemplified a trait of character or administration that distinguishes him,’ adding that many years ago, Baba demonstrated fearlessness and doggedness in order to ensure fairness to both parties in a dispute.
‘At the time, he was in charge of Police Area Command in Maitama, off Mississippt Street, and miners in Mpape had issues with some other people. Usman Baba, who was an Assistant Commissioner of Police at the time, made decisive decisions and backed it with action, and he was able to ensure that both parties of the dispute get justice,’ Hamza said.
The union leader commended President Muhammadu Buhari for searching for a man of strong character to take charge of the Nigeria Police, stating that such was needed to address myriads of social and security challenges confronting the country.
‘Integrity is a necessary factor in leadership, especially in the leadership of an establishment that is statutorily responsible for maintaining law and order in a multicultural society like ours,’ Hamza said.
He urged the new IGP to strengthen his commitment to truth, fairness and justice, stating that the office of Inspector General of Police ‘comes with a lot of honor, but also has a lot of lures and great temptations.’
Hamza, who is also the president of Gwaram-Abuja Residents Association further advised the new Inspector General to sustain the virtues that earned him the confidence and recognition of the president, saying, ‘I admonish IGP Baba to remain true to his avowed commitment to fighting banditry and must not betray the trust and confidence bestowed on him by the present.’ he added.
