A veteran crime journalist, Folorunsho Atta, and police auctioneers have applauded the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for what they described as his compassionate intervention in addressing the long-standing challenges facing police auctioneers.
They also congratulated a former Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade, on his retirement from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), describing him as a principled and dedicated officer whose contributions to policing would be remembered.
Atta commended Disu for his humility, empathy and understanding of the plight of the auctioneers, particularly after years of difficulties in carrying out their legitimate businesses.
According to him, the IGP advised the auctioneers to resume their businesses while ensuring strict compliance with established laws and procedures governing police auction sales.
Atta disclosed that, in the past two and a half years, only two auctioneers had reportedly been permitted by a previous police administration to conduct auction sales.
He said the restriction had subjected many auctioneers and their families to severe economic hardship, making life difficult and, in some cases, unbearable for them.
He described the situation as an unfortunate demonstration of man’s inhumanity to man, noting that the intervention by Disu had brought considerable relief to those affected.
Atta, however, urged the auctioneers not to take the IGP’s gesture for granted, advising them to conduct their businesses with transparency, integrity and strict adherence to due process.
He stressed that the resumption of auction activities should not be an opportunity for malpractice or abuse of the confidence reposed in them by the police authorities.
Speaking on the retirement of Fayoade, Atta described the former DIG as a quintessential police officer who distinguished himself through professionalism, competence and commitment to national service.
“There are few officers of his type in the Force. He was an officer who did not compromise his official position. He was well-grounded in all aspects of policing, be it investigation, public relations, operations, community policing or transformation. He is a rare breed,” Atta said.
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#DISU
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