The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, has assured lawyers in the state that he is committed to ensuring strict adherence to the rule of law, particularly respect for human rights
Dantawaye gave the assurance when he paid a historic visit to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Kogi State, popularly known as the Confluence Bar, during their monthly general meeting held at the NBA conference hall, Lokoja on Friday.
In his welcome remarks, Hon. M. Y. Abdullahi, SAN, the Kogi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, acknowledged a remarkable development the visit brings as the first of its kind in the history of NBA that a Commissioner of Police, who is not a lawyer, has shown such a keen and active interest in the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association.
He further commended the CP for changing the narrative, stressing that his willingness to engage with the Bar, work collaboratively, and understand the legal profession is commendable.
“We believe this will foster better relations and promote justice,” Abdullahi said.
The visit marked the first time a serving Commissioner of Police would attend the NBA’s general meeting, earning him commendation from members of the legal community for his uncommon show of interest in fostering mutual understanding between the Bar and the Police. The visit aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Police and the Bar in Kogi State.
The CP had a fruitful interactions with the members of the Bar as issues of public safety and concerns were discussed.
He further solicited for continued partnership and support expressing his desire to work collaboratively with the NBA stressing that, NBA and the Police have been known to work together for the betterment of the society.
He stated that without synergy, there would not be effective Policing.
The CP further expressed his unwavering commitment to transparency, professionalism, and collaboration, stressing that synergy between law enforcement and the legal community is essential for peace and justice to thrive.
He reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for police misconduct and assured that any officer found wanting will be held accountable.
He also expressed his openness to continuous engagement with the NBA and other stakeholders to improve policing standards and public trust.
While receiving the CP, the Chairman of the Confluence Bar, Samuel Akoji Esq described the Bar as the voice and heartbeat of the legal profession in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of synergy between the police and the legal profession in promoting justice, the rule of law, and public safety.
He expressed his gratitude to the CP and his team for the visit and engagement with the Bar during their monthly meeting, stressing that this was the first of it’s kind the Commissioner of Police in the State to have visited the NBA during their monthly meeting.
He assured the CP that the NBA Kogi State will leverage on this platform to improve on its relationship with the Police in Kogi State.
The CP was in company of DCP Christopher Bassey, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, ACP Anslem Ali, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations as well as SP Gabriel Otowu, Command Legal Officer.
