By Galaxy Imanmadu
Human rights activist and Executive Director of Global Action Against Hunger, Crime, and Violations of Peoples’ Rights (GAHCAVPER), Comr. Emeka Nwokocha, has called on Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu not to gloss over the festering corruption in the police force, saying that the many wrongs bedevilling the institution should be tackled headlong to give the oppressed Nigerians a reprieve. Comr Nwokocha made the call recently, in Warri, headquarters of Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, during his routine appraisal of the political and economic development in Nigeria.
He said: “Nigerians will no longer tolerate the bold face with which operatives of the Nigeria police force legalise corruption as a function of their duties. I am alarmed that despite the outcry of good spirited Nigerians against rising corruption in the police force, no commensurate action has been taken by the police authority to nip the ugly and shameful trend in the bud. Nigerians demand a responsible police force that understands the importance of their role in promoting peace and helping the country achieve her developmental goals in a crime free atmosphere.”
He continued, “I call on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Adamu to purge the police force of endemic corruption and barbaric indulgences and set a new template of policing to redeem the image of the institution and restore public confidence in it. This call has become expedient against the backdrop of rising corruption in the police force coupled with flagrant violations of the rights of Nigerians by police officers with impunity.”
The rights activist took a swipe on Nigerians for not taking decisive steps to remedy the bad shape of the Nigeria police force, noting that the wrongs in the force are on the increase because Nigerians have refused to interrogate and challenge those in authority.
“Nigerians have been passive for too long a time towards the plethora of wrongs bedevilling the police force over the years,” he stated.
Comr. Nwokocha frowned at the nonchalant attitude of Nigerians towards the sham the police has become over the years, noting that the belligerent attitude of the operatives of the police force is becoming a dangerous trend not to be tolerated anymore. He wondered why the stench in the police institution should be condoned. Saying, “If I may ask, ‘how did the police institution deteriorate to this sorry state?’ I am worried that a supposedly reponsible police officer who should protect the citizens, prevent crime and maintain law and order, would damn the extant laws of our country with impunity and with bold face, indulges in unlawful activities that negate and smear the image of the police force. Still, the good people of Nigeria would not rise up to condemn the brazen malfeasance that stares every body in the face.”
He said, “Across the globe, police officers raise the image of their countries by carrying out their duties professionally with unsolicited patriotism.
“For instance, in U.S, UK, Germany and other European countries, including African countries of South Africa, Ghana, and Egypt, you will be astonished at the blazing discipline and professionalism police officers bring to bear on their jobs. Regrettably, in our ‘all mighty Nigeria and trumpeted giant of Africa’ our police force is a redicule, sham and cesspool of putrefying corruption openly and shamelesly advertised at police stations, in the streets and on the roads with gusto.
“I do not think the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu lacks the zeal, patriotism, experience and courage to remake and reorder the police institution and make it stand out as the pride of our country, Nigeria. Therefore, I urge him to leave an indelible imprints on the sands of history, by putting his acts together to instill discipline and professionalism in every facet of police operations. Nigerians will not tolerate the bad state of the police force anymore,” Comr. Nwokocha stated.
