Chief Ade Ajakaiye retired from the Police Force in February 2008, as an Assistant Inspector General of Police in-charge of Zone 6, Calabar, which covers Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Rivers states. He spoke with TAYO JOHNSON on his experience in the police and other issues.
Experience in the police
As a junior officer, I worked as Divisional Police Officer in many stations in the old Oyo State and as a Chief Superintendent of Police. I served in the Force Headquarter then in Lagos in the public relations department. And I really enjoyed it because initially that is where I wanted to serve in Nigeria Police. I served also in Zone 5 in Edo State as Deputy Commissioner in the operations department. I served in Kano State too as Deputy Commissioner in the command and I served in Lagos and Borno states as Commissioner of Police, and as AIG I served in Zone 9 Umuahia covering Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers and Ebonyi and Rivers states. I served also in Zone 8 Lokoja and Zone 6 Calabar where I retired in January 2008.
33 years and the challenges
Every day for a police officer is a day of challenges and there was a case I can never forget so quickly. When I was a Commissioner of Police at the Special Fraud Unit (SFT) in Lagos State, I handled a case and my intention was pure and simple to polish police image. The case involved an investigation into N100 million fraud. A customer had taken the money to a bank to change to dollars. I did my investigation with all sincerity of purpose and good will, but the authority thought then I had taken bribe to do the job because of that I was removed as the Commissioner of police in charge of SFU and moved to Force headquarter on special duty where I had no office for six months. I was being prosecuted for something I investigated with a pure heart. But perhaps any of my officer took bribe, I wouldn’t know because neither the complainant nor the suspect brought such a complaint to me. Any time I remember that case I always know that God justifies the righteous and I am still happy. Fortunately, my own investigation on that case correlated with the findings of the Central Bank of Nigeria. That is a big vindication.
Life after service
I thank God that I retired happily and in good health. When I looked back at my life, I always give glory to God. As a police officer, your decisions cannot always be yours because you have to take orders and instruction from your superior; when of course the order or instruction is legal. All glory and thanks to God who has kept me alive and sound till this day.
I have been doing a lot of writing in poetry, articles for newspapers and other literary things. I also engage in gardening, reading and small businesses to continue to make life meaningful and healthy and my environment more friendly. For me that is the essence of life.
Assisting the govt
Why not? It is a called to duty to the nation. I am still ready to serve the nation in any capacity I can, that will promote the interest of Nigeria.
Security firm
You know everything you do springs from your soul and interest. I have been writing poems since my secondary school days and my interest on it develops daily and that is why I have rediscovered this talent again. Not every retired officer sets up security outfit. By the grace of God, I will make a public presentation of my third poetry book titled: “Fire in my Soul” in March this year. It’s about the social, religious and economic issues in Nigeria.
Thoughts on bribery
in the police
Some policemen may be corrupt, but not all policemen are corrupt. If Nigerians are not corrupt, then the police too will not be corrupt, because if the environment is clean, the people too will be clean. I am glad to note that no police officer has been indicted today in the ongoing corruption war in the country. On this note I wish to commend Mr. President and his government for fighting corruptions in the country relentlessly. The Police are only responding to the behaviours of Nigerians when it comes to the issue of bribery and corruption. I have come across some policemen that will never collect bribe. But I am not in any case approving of bribery and corruption. No! What I have said is only on the narrative of corruption in Nigeria and the police.
10,000 new officers
They need high level of disciplined because the junior officers seem to lack discipline. Ten thousand new officers is an added advantage for the force operationally. But how will they recruit such a high number without recruiting criminals? That’s an issue. Anybody that lacks good character should be thrown out. Discipline is the soul of any organization, especially the security forces.
Magu and Senate
It’s so sad that everything in this country is being politicised. Politicians will always be politicians. The acting Chairman of EFCC worked under me when I was the CP Special Fraud Unit in Lagos. He is a devoted and seasoned officer, and I have looked at those who are calling for his removal and found out that he is only being witch-hunted. They should allow those who are capable to handle this job do it. The senate should confirm Ibrahim Magu. I know he is so thorough and a sticker to details and facts. He is reliable and not corrupt.
It seems to me the Senate wants to use the issue of Magu’ confirmation to gain some leverage against the Executive. Nigerians need to seek for the progress of this country, and it does not depend solely on the Presidency. Lawmakers, the Judiciary and every citizen need to stand up for the truth. The progress of Nigeria is a duty for every citizen. Nigeria belongs to us all. I say it as I see it.
Politics
I can’t be a politician because I don’t have the resources to fight the war! Yes! But everybody is a political animal as you know. And as I want the best for my community and my country, you can say I am a politician in a sense. As long as I live I want to serve God, my community, as well as my country. That is the biggest legacy. I also don’t have the temperament to be a politician.