By Amin Kef-Sesay
According to the Inspector General of Police, Ambrose M. Sovula, the country needs good policing to be peaceful and to carry out the Force’s core constitutional mandate to protect lives and properties.
In which regard, unpatriotic Sierra Leoneans in the habit of stealing and vandalizing EDSA equipment and materials are advised to listen keenly to the warning IG Sovula repeatedly gives on AYV-TV for them to desist forthwith or face the wrath of the ‘Force for Good’. His message is simple and clear, “If you don’t Stop, Stop will Stop You.”
Charity begins at home. To prove to the force and the nation that he is a no nonsense Head of the Sierra Leone Police, who is ready to implement the law to the letter, quite recently in May 2021, IG Sovula approved the suspension of four Senior Police Bosses at CID headquarters in Freetown for negligence, corrupt practice and noncompliance to orders. All four men were stripped of their badges and placed under investigation by the CDIID.
Prior to that, at the Police Headquarters on George Street on the 5th May 2021 it was disclosed that Eight Police Officers had been suspended and undergoing investigations for various allegations including unlawful discharge of fire arm, mob justice, illegal detention and incitement among others.
President Julius Maada Bio on Friday 13th March 2020, announced the appointment of a new Inspector General of Police, following the retirement of outgoing Dr. Richard Moigbe.
Until his appointment, IG Sovula was the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Western Region (Regional Commander). He had also served as Regional Commander for the Northern Province based in Makeni City.
IG Sovula is regarded by many as one of Sierra Leone’s award winning police officers, and a West Africa Road Safety Organization member who has diligently served the Sierra Leone Police for almost 40 years since he joined the force as a recruit in 1980.
IG Sovula’s rise through the ranks is attributed purely to steadfastness and diligence at work. He is said to be very hardworking and can be trusted to carry out orders.
Although he entered the Police with no University degree, he sat to the WAEC and gained admission into the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) and graduated with a Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies.
He went on to acquire a Degree in Economics and Development and a Master’s Degree in Peace and Development with the emphasis on Community Policing.
Schooled in all departments of the Force, he started at the Central Police Station as a “Statement Taker” previously known as an Investigator.
He headed the Traffic Division as National Traffic Coordinator. He was Officer in Charge and/or Local Unit Commander at many Police Stations including Adonkia Police Station and Lumley Police Station where he left a legacy of good policing.
He is one of the foundation members of the MIST – Major Incident Support Team and also worked in the Registry Office at the Police Headquarters. He served too as Chief Trainer at the Police Training School and became the Commandant. As Commandant of the Police Training School, IG Sovula said he developed a lot of gender empowerment training strategies for young recruits.
“Good attitudinal behavior and civic responsibility are lacking, as people should not wait and see a Police Officer before obeying the law,” IG Sovula is quoted to have said in various community engagements.
Maintaining that the behavioral pattern of every Sierra Leonean should be modified because attitude means everything, IG Sovula has assured that his leadership will bring in new innovations – from a traditional policing to a community policing whilst encouraging all Sierra Leoneans to respect the Police and help in the development of the Force.
IG Sovula believes that the SLP cannot effectively carry out its constitutional mandate in isolation but through partnership and collaboration.
Thus, since his appointment he has held several consultative meetings with stakeholders including the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning and groups like Motor Drivers Union, the Keke Riders Association, the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS), Petty Traders Association, the Dollar-Boys Association and Bar Owners Association among others whom, he said, sometimes make their work very challenging; so that they could dialogue and have better understanding and an amicable working relationship.
This, he said, will help them position the SLP for better service delivery.
