IGP SULEIMAN ADAMU

By Festus Fifen.

In a swift Response to a publication in some sections of the Media dated 17th January, 2021 alleging plots by the Inspector-General of Police to sell-off the Nigeria Police Officers’ Mess located at Onikan, Lagos. The Nigeria Inspector General of Police IGP Suleiman Adamu has described the story as a false alarm born out of mischief stating clearly that the place is currently undergoing remodeling and reconstruction for the benefit of Police personnel.

In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer CP Frank Mba, The Nigeria Police Officers’ Mess, Onikan, conceived decades ago, was built to cater for the welfare of Police Officers, provide transit accommodation for Officers on transfer or on special assignments and provide a conducive social environment suitable for their relaxation. Over time however, the property has degenerated and shown structural defects requiring a massive renovation or outright rebuilding.

CP Frank Mba added that In a bid to restore its lost glory, provide a modern and befitting Officers’ Mess and tackle the defects of the old structure, the IGP and the Management Team took a decision to upgrade the existing Officers’ Mess to a world-class edifice. The new project will in addition to a standard Officers’ Mess include the development of a world-class three-star hotel, modern office spaces for lease, and a modern and easily accessible shopping complex. The new Mess will not only cater for the welfare of the Officers but will also provide an alternate stream of income for its maintenance and sustenance.

In his words, “Upon completion, the project which is wholly owned by the Police and financed by the Police Cooperative Society, would improve the aesthetic value of the Onikan waterline, provide one of the best water view facilities on the Lagos Island and serve to improve social interaction between members of the Police Force and the general public. It is also expected to generate additional employment opportunities for teeming Nigerian youths, boost the internally generated revenue of Lagos State and generally improve the economy of the State.

CP Mba said It would have been unnecessary to respond to the deliberate misinformation, falsehood and outright mischief by the authors of the publications but the need to set the records straight and halt the intended damage to a well-thought-out project necessitated this response.

” The IGP therefore enjoins well-meaning Nigerians to disregard the misinformation while members of the press should beware of rumour-mongering and the activities of those who aim to disparage and discredit well-thought-out projects.”