by Chi Ibe

Nigeria-born Victor Olisa has been appointed commander for Bexley local council in London, United Kingdom. This makes him the first black Police Commanderwith the London Metropolitan Police.

52-year-old Olisa born in Warri, Delta, is one of only three chief superintendents from black minority ethnic background working for the Metropolitan Police and the first to ever rise to the position of commander.

Olisa, whose grandfather was a police officer in Nigeria, told theNews Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that policing is genetic. He said his focus was on the job rather than on being the “first black’” adding that his ethnicity never affected the way he carried out his duties.

“I consider myself first and foremost a police officer. If (being black) is an advantage, then brilliant; If it’s a disadvantage, I will have to deal with that, I can’t hide it.”

Olisa said a lot was being done to address racism within the force, adding that it was the responsibility of the force to correct wrongs and not an institution for people with racist views. 

“I am impeccably against anyone who uses racist language or behaves in a racist manner. This will not be allowed under my watch. I believe that everyone should be treated with dignity wherever they come from,’’ Olisa said.

Olisa’s career began in 1982 with the Surrey Police, he transferred to the City of London Police in 1990 as detective inspector in the Fraud Squad.

After a spell at the Home Office, he transferred to the Metropolitan police in 2006 as a superintendent in Southwark Council before his recent appointment.

Source: The Nation