Human Rights Protection: Anambra Police Charged On Constitutional Duties

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Men and Officers of the Anambra State Police Command have been reminded to recognize and protect the fundamental human rights of the people while discharging their constitutional duties.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Inyang, said this during a four-day training workshop held for Divisional Police Officers, State C.I.D Officers, Divisional Crime Officers and Human Rights Desk Officers in the Police command.

Speaking to the officers who were gathered in Awka, the Anambra state capital, he condemned attitudes that appear to infringe on human rights such as torture, brutality, intimidation, illegal detention among others.

These according to him, are contrary to natural justice, fairness, equity and good conscience and should not be practiced by any member of the Nigerian Police force.

He reminded them that though there are various categories of crimes being committed in the country presently, “it should be clear that the Nigerian Police Force today is operating under a democratic set up, where rights of citizens are fundamental.”

Mr Inyang, who represented the Inspector General Of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, describes the Police Officer as an official representative of the government, who is trusted to work within the ambit of the law.

He therefore urged that in serving the community and safe guarding lives and property, the officers should remember that they are operating under a democratic setting and not military rule, hence, “you must not infringe on rights of citizens.”

Also present was the Project Coordinator Of United Nations Office on Drugs And Crime, Dr. Uju Agomoh, who agreed that the training was necessary to reform members of the Nigeria police force and instill in them the spirit of dignity and fairness while carrying out their functions.

She noted that the training would be extended to all levels of the police force in order to maintain efficiency in the Nigerian Police force.

On a final note, the D.I.G warned that there would be sanctions on officers who attempt to dent the image of the police force and maintained that the Federal Government is committed to continue capacity building of men and officers of the Police force.