By Praise Chinecherem
The outgoing Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye has said he would not wish for an extra day in office as a police officer, after his retirement.
Adeoye, who had his pull-out parade from the Force over the weekend at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, is due for retirement on Tuesday after 35 years of meritorious service.
Speaking with newsmen in a valedictory press conference at the Police headquarters in Awka on Monday, CP Adeoye said it has been an action packed 35 years of meritorious service to the Force and he is eagerly looking forward to regaining his freedom.
He said although he was badly used by the Force, he has no regret joining the Force, having voluntarily signed up for the job and had given his best.
He said, “Every moment of my service was action packed, rewarding and entertaining and I do not deserve an extra day as a police officer, after my retirement.
“I will not operate a security or consultancy firm because it will be subjecting onself to another endless run of stress. Any business I would have to bear the liabilities of people is not for me. I want to do something entirely different.
“The Nigeria Police Force used me maximally, deploying me for numerous critical missions. I was endangered many times, faced death that I survived just by providence and suffered many other ugly experiences.
“The mission in which we overran a gun-running syndicate in the Niger-Delta and recovered over 50 military weapons, was a near-death experience that I would always be thankful to God for. But I signed up for the job and I have no regrets.
“If for anything, I am happy that I laid my life on the line for my country and God spared me after it all.
Adeoye further advised police officers to diversify savings from their salaries into investments to ensure a corrupt-free career.
“When you have enough earnings, you will not have need to steal as a public office holder. If your earnings are higher than your expenses, you will have little or no urge as a police officer to engage in corrupt practices,” Adeoye added.
Recalling with nostalgia his years of service in Anambra, the retiring CP described the state and its people as hospitable and receptive.
He attributed his success stories in the state to the support and cooperation of the government and people of the state.
“It’s been a wonderful experience working in Anambra State. I believe this is my second home. At my pull-out parade, the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim dubbed me a citizen of the state
“On Sunday, Traditional Ruler of Ogbunka in Orumba South Council Area of the State, Igwe J.M. Anyaoha conferred on me the chieftaincy title of DIke-Ochioha 1 of Ogbunka Kingdom. So I am a bonafide citizen of Anambra now,” he said.
