By Anthony Maliki, Abuja
Many motorists plying the back side of the National Mosque, Abuja especially at night have complained about the beggarly attitude of the police checking commuters at the box-bridge before the Yahuza Suya Garden.
Motorists from 5th Street which is the road of Labour House towards Nigeria Society of Engineers headquarters and from Kur Mohammed Avenue where TAJ Bank and Kebbi Hotels among others offices are located to link Yahuza Suya said they are always embarrassed by unprofessionalism of the policemen of duty.
According to the motorists some of whom stop by the Yahuza Suya Garden to buy some takeaway food items in a general informally discussion (They don’t knew a journalist is amongst them) said the attitude of the men is demeaning of Abuja, seen as Africa capital city.
One of the motorists noted that many foreigners visit Abuja and would be embarrassed to see policemen begging for money.
Besides, the policemen even unashamed ‘struggle’ to engaged oncoming vehicles depending on the type with unsolicited compliments.
On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, Apex News Exclusive in a conversation with one of the police officers who stopped him goes thus:
Police: Morning sir. We love you sir. Standstill!
Apex News Exclusive: How is work? Well done
Police: Standstill!… (Inaudible murmurings)
Apex News Exclusive: Things never dey ohh. Don’t worry next time
Police: Shun [Attention]
Apex News Exclusive: Well done, sir
Police: Oga, we miss you for some time
Apex News Exclusive: Next time
Police: God bless you, sir
Another encounter on Thursday, September 28, 2023 went thus:
Apex News Exclusive: Well done sir
Police: See my oga
Apex News Exclusive: Long time oh
Police: How was your day
Apex News Exclusive: We thank God sir
Police: …you no give us anything again
Apex News Exclusive: We ma we no dey get naa, na him be dey wahala
Police: May God help us
Apex News Exclusive: Amen
Police: Goodnight
Apex News Exclusive: Goodnight
During his inaugural speech then as acting Inspector-General of Police, at a conference with strategic police managers at Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Abuja on June 23, 2023, Kayode Egbetokun spoke about need to ensure professionalism of the Force.
He acknowledged imperfections that exist within the ranks of the police but noted that it must cast aside complacency and confront the demons that tarnish it profession.
Egbetokun noted that the police must weed out corruption, for it erodes the very essence of justice it has sworn to uphold.
The IGP said the police must reject the abuse of power, for it stains the reputation of the uniform personnel wear with honor and cultivate a culture of accountability, “for our actions must be a testament to the principles we stand for.”
He urged fellow police managers to lead by example and be the epitome of integrity, resilience, and compassion.
The IGP said one of the foremost thrusts of his administration would be upholding the sanctity of the legal framework with a view to standardizing the policing profession.
According to him, this is view of driving transformative agenda, embracing the principles of transparency, accountability, and professionalism, while upholding the rights and welfare of both officers and the communities it serves.
He told them that together, the police shall embark on a mission to uphold justice, fairness, protect human dignity, and restore standards and values of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Let me make one thing abundantly clear, the days of complacency and indifference are over. We are no longer mere enforcers of the law, we are the vanguards of justice. It is our duty to ensure that every citizen, regardless of his/her background, feels safe and secure at all times”, Egbetokun noted.
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase in order to entrench discipline in the Force at a visit to CLEEN FOUNDATION, on,April 27, 2023 said indiscipline will no longer be tolerated in the Police Force while announcing the setting up of a Parallel Complaint Response Unit at the Commission to Police the Police.
The Executive Director of the Foundation, Gad Peter urged the PSC Chairman to put an end to Police brutality and impunity.
In a report by Premium Times on December 22, 2022, the police in Imo State dismissed seven officers over alleged extortion.
According to the report, the dismissal of the officers followed a series of complaints against the officers by some residents.
The police officers were accused of brutality, harassment, extortion and illegal checking of their mobile phones.
Those dismissed are Chibuzo Ohakim, Finian Irome, George Osueke, Kelechi Onuegbu, Nwagoro Isidore, Stephen Nwadike and Plastidus Ihemtuge.
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