Minister of State, Police Affairs, Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim utilises every opportunity that provides itself in improving herself and creating impacts.
As a knowledge seeker who is relentless in delivering policies and ensuring improved police administration in Nigeria, her official trip to the United States at the ongoing International Association of Police Chiefs events in San Diego has emerged as a platform to have hands-on experience on global best practices.
She embarked on a ride-along with the esteemed San Diego Police Department.
A ride-along is usually an arrangement for civilians to spend a shift in the passenger seat of an emergency operational police vehicle, observing the work day of a police officer.
Ride -alongs are offered by many police departments around the world.
This experience offered a unique window into exemplary policing practices that are transforming communities.
The Minister witnessed firsthand innovative approaches to policing which prioritises community engagement, transparency, and professionalism.
She narrated her experience saying “I am inspired by the dedication of the San Diego Police Department and their commitment to building trust with the community they serve. These invaluable insights will be instrumental in advancing our own police reform efforts in Nigeria,” stated Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim”.
During this ride-along, she had the privilege of witnessing momentous events. The San Diego Police Officers responded with compassion and professionalism to all calls and followed them up with meticulous investigations.
Swift and decisive action were taken, and alongside her partner on duty, the Minister confirmed that the experience was a testament to the importance of empathy and swift intervention in crisis situation management.
Furthermore, she had the opportunity to witness the seamless coordination between doctors and police officers during patient intake processes. This collaborative approach is essential in ensuring the well-being and safety of individuals and her experience has solidified her resolve to champion comprehensive police reform in Nigeria. She is dedicated to building a police force that serves with compassion, efficiency, and effectiveness, aimed at creating a safer and more secure Nigeria.
“I am inspired by the dedication of the San Diego Police Department and their commitment to building trust with the community they serve. These invaluable insights will be instrumental in advancing our own police reform efforts in Nigeria,” stated Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The visit underscores Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to implementing reforms that enhance the safety, security, and wellbeing of its citizens.
The Minister hopes to share her experience with the hierarchy of the Police Force when she returns to Nigeria, and would ensure implementation of the hands-on experience with the San Diego Police Department.
Ifoh said, “Mr. Chairman sir, we therefore bring to your notice an ugly incident that happened yesterday, 19th day of October, 2023 at Lagos State, venue of the Appeal Court on the Appeal No. CA/OW/HR/AB/06/2023 between the Labour Party candidate, Hon. Amobi Ogah, who is the plaintiff and the All Progressives Congress candidate, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, who is the Respondent. INEC is also a Respondent in that matter.
“Hon. Ogah of the Labour Party contested and won with a large margin the Federal House of Representatives seat for Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, but his victory was annulled at the Election Tribunal, hence the resolve to approach the Appellate Court.
“Sir, what played out yesterday, 19th day of October, 2023, was unbelievable, hence we call on you to nip the development in the bud to avoid a messy situation. INEC had engaged a Senior Counsel, J.O. Asoluka (SAN), as its lawyers with a letter of authorisation to represent the commission.
“But at the commencement of the hearing at the Appeal Court, another lawyer surfaced with another letter of authority to take over the case of the self same INEC without prior notice to J.O Asoluka (SAN), that the new counsel had been engaged. They also did not see any need to inform the Plaintiff of the development as required by law. When the matter thus came up, a squabble ensued between the two counsels as to who had the authority of INEC to represent it in the case.
“Consequently, present at the venue of the Appeal Court were some expelled members of Labour Party under the headship of Lamidi Apapa. Also present were some leaders of the APC who openly fraternize with the Apapa cohorts and who were openly boasting that they will purchase judgement at all cost. They also attempted unsuccessfully to hijack the legal representation of the Labour Party.
“Chairman sir, it has now dawned on us that the change of legal guard without properly notifying the interested parties was carefully orchestrated by the Commission in alliance with our opponents with the intention to stall proceedings at the Court of Appeal and frustrate our candidate’s appeal that was due for hearing on Thursday.”
He further said, “We are raising this alarm because time is of essence, even though, the collaborators achieved their intentions as the appeal could not be heard and was adjourned by the court to enable INEC put its house in order and determine who of the two counsels, has her authority to represent her in the appeal.
“We are therefore using this platform to urge you to investigate the inglorious roles which the legal department of the commission is playing and sanction erring officials. The role of INEC in this matter is simply to defend the outcome of the election which it conducte
