Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has given out the sum of N10 million to the victims of fire outbreak at the Yola Main Market in Adamawa State, and appealed to Nigerians to donate. “I passionately urge other Nigerians, well wishers, and friends of Adamawa State to join and add to my donation of N10 million in providing succour to victims of this particular disaster.” Atiku, who expressed deep sadness over the fire incident, said that he shares his sympathy with victims of the fire outbreak. The former Vice President, who is the Waziri Adamawa, appealed to other Nigerians of means to make donations into the Yola Market Fire Relief Fund, aimed at providing support to the Adamawa State Government in rebuilding the market and succour to victims of the fire outbreak. “I am deeply saddened by the report of a fire incident at Yola Main Market. “Losing a means of livelihood in the face of the current economic hardship is a troubling development.” Atiku, who contested the 2023 Presidential election on the platform of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), called for preventive measures to avert fire outbreaks and that infrastructure to deal with such outbreaks should be prioritised. He prayed that God will replenish the losses and grant reprieve to those affected by this disaster.
Policemen officers created a scene at the Abuja residence of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello when they prevented armed operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting him. The confrontation between the EFCC operatives and the policemen, who are attached to Yahaya Bello occurred at Bello’s residence in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja today, April 17.
The EFCC officials had laid siege to ex Governor’s residence in an attempt to arrest him on corruption-related charges but his supporters, alongside the police officers, gathered at the residence and resisted the EFCC’s arrest attempt. The situation escalated as tensions mounted between the two law enforcement agencies. Yahaya Bello has been under EFCC investigation over allegations of misappropriation of public funds amounting to billions of Naira. Despite obtaining an interim injunction restraining the EFCC from taking any action against him pending the determination of a substantive originating motion to enforce his fundamental rights, the anti-graft commission has insisted on arresting him. The interim injunction, which sought to shield Bello from detention, prosecution, or persecution during the ongoing legal proceedings, has been appealed by the EFCC. The anti-graft agency contends that the trial court lacked jurisdiction and argues that any order issued by a court lacking jurisdiction is null and void.
Meanwhile, Yahaya Bello’s predecessor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo arrived at the residence of the embattled Yahaya Bello at about 2.30 pm today, April 17, in solidarity with him.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the EFCC to order in the interest of legal sanity.” This was the reaction of the media office of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, while confirming the sealing of the Abuja residence of the former governor by officers of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) today, April 17. In the statement today, shortly after the sealing of the ex Governor’s residence, his media office narrated that at about 9:30 am today, “the 17th day of April 2024, persons who described themselves as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrived the Wuse Zone 4 Residence of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to effect his arrest. “This is despite a subsisting Order of injunction granted on 9th February 2024 by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello vs. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, restraining the Commission either by itself or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining or prosecuting Alhaji Yahaya Bello, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action. “The EFCC was duly served with that Order on 12th February 2024 and on 26th February 2024; the EFCC filed an Appeal (Appeal No.: CA/ABJ/CV/175/2024: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission v. Alhaji Yahaya Bello) against the said Order to the Court of Appeal Abuja division. “The Appeal was accompanied by a Motion for Stay of Execution of the Order of the High Court which the Court of Appeal adjourned for hearing till the 22nd day of April 2024. “Furthermore, Judgment in the substantive case between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC is to be delivered at 12 Noon today in Lokoja. “Contrary to all of the above, the EFCC has now laid siege to the home of H.E Yahaya Bello seeking to arrest him in contravention of the extant orders! “It is a surprise that an agency led by a lawyer could flagrantly disobey a subsisting court order by taking actions contrary to the reliefs granted. “We are aware of the total commitment of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the rule of law and can say categorically that the leadership of the EFCC might have offered the agency on a platter of gold to desperate politicians to convert to their score settling tool without minding the effect on its integrity and the image of Nigeria as regards the rule of law. “A situation where law enforcers disregard the rule of law is a definite recipe for anarchy, which will adversely affect every aspect of the nation’s economy. “Nigerians have perceived the desperation of the anti-graft agency to embarrass and harass the former Governor by all means through spurious allegations, especially the latest one dating back to September 2015, way before he assumed office. “We are aware that there are clandestine moves to correct the error, but with even more questionable allegations, which would embarrass the Commission and Nigeria more than the initial one. It is unfortunate that an agency that is supposed to enforce the law is now the first culprit with respect to disobedience of court orders. “This is a big dent on the fight against corruption. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) this morning, April 17, sealed the residence of the immediate past Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello, at Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4 in Abuja. Though the reason for the barricade is unknown, it was gathered that the operatives of the anti-corruption commission were in the area intending to effect the arrest of the former governor, who have been having issues with EFCC even before he left office in February. It was learned that the operatives did not allow movement in and out of the street leading to the former Kogi helmsman house. EFCC had joined the former governor as a co-defendant in the ongoing trial of his nephew, Ali Bello, who is the current Chief of Staff to Governor Usman Ododo, Dauda Sulaiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu in an alleged N84 billion money laundering case before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The commission had on March 14, amended the charge against Ali Bello, Sulaiman, and Hudu to include the former governor as the fourth defendant. They are charged with 17 count charges, bordering on money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N84,062,406,089.88. EFCC had told the court that both Yahaya Bello and Hudu were at large as at the time the fresh plea was taken in the amended 17- count charge was taken in court.
The campaign by the former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam to become the national chairman of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) came to abrupt end as the National Working Committee (NCW) passed a vote of confidence on the current Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum. The position of the NCW was made known in a statement today, April 17, by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba He said that the NWC passed the vote of confidence on Damagum at the end of its 584th meeting at the party’s National Secretariat yesterday, April 16. According to him, the PDP leaders took the decision in commendation of the efforts and commitment by Damagum to stabilize and reposition the party as the main opposition in Nigeria. Ologunagba said that the Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, presided over the motion for Vote of Confidence on the Acting National Chairman, which was moved by the National Vice Chairman (South East) Chief Ali Odefa and seconded by the National Treasurer, Yayari Mohammed. “The NWC assures of its commitment in ensuring the continued stability, growth and success of our great party at all time.” Some leaders of the party in the North Central geo-political zone, had endorsed Senator Suswam for the position of national chairman of the party. The leaders on the aegis of ‘Platform of North Central PDP Stakeholders Forum’ announced the endorsement of Suswam at the end of their meeting, which took place at Ibeto Grand Hotel, Abuja. The meeting attended by prominent political leaders and stakeholders, including former and serving members of the State and National Assembly, former ministers, appointees and party leaders, women, youths, and observers from the zone, expressed the desire for the need for the party to allow the zone complete the tenure of the suspended National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. The position of the North Central stakeholders was confirmed by a former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, when he featured on Arise Television programme. He said that the zone wanted to complete its tenure following the suspension of Ayu, adding also that the PDP did not have to wait for court litigation, stressing, too, that based on available information at his disposal, he did not think that Ayu was in court. “I do not think the meeting on Thursday is going to be about ‘are we electing a leader or are we discussing leadership’? What the meeting is about, from what I am picking among leaders and among members, is would Damagun remain in office or will he be replaced?”
A Kano State High Court has affirmed the suspension of the former state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The order is sequel to an exparte motion filed by Haladu Gwanjo and Laminu Sani through their counsel, Ibrahim Sa’ad. Justice Usman Mallam Na’Abba granted the exparte order today, April 17, restraining him from parading himself as a member of the APC. The plaintiffs, who identified themselves as executive members of APC Ganduje ward, said that they brought the motion on behalf of the executive members of the ward. Recall that Gwanjo, who identified himself as the party’s ward Legal Adviser, had announced the suspension of Ganduje on Monday, April 15. Subsequently, the court ordered Ganduje to desist from presiding over all affairs of the National Working Committee (NWC) of APC. Meanwhile, the APC has said that it has petitioned the Inspector General of Police over Ganduje’s purported suspension.
Global Prolife Alliance (GPA), a global None Governmental Organization (NGO) has drew the attention of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to “a clear and present danger of planned Genocide of Doctors in Nigeria by Bill Gates.” In a letter addressed to the Senate President and copied President Bola Tinubu, House of Representatives Speaker and others, the NGO called on the National Assembly to stop all activities of Bill Gates in Nigeria. “We write to warn that Bill Gates has began a new phase targeted at genocide of all doctors and other health professionals in Nigeria, using similar Cell Phone Mapping System, guided with GPS technology.” The letter, signed by the Chairman, Global Prolife Alliance (GPA), Prince, Dr. Philip C. Njemanze, wanted the national assembly to “suspend operations of all NGOs linked to Bill Gates and BIOTECH companies, labeling them National Security threats and cooperation with them a potential treasonable felony.” The letter goes thus: His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, National Assembly Complex, Three Arms Zone, P.M.B, 141, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria +234 9 234 0000, +234 9 234 0009, +234 9 523 4900 Your Excellency, Planned Genocide of Doctors in Nigeria by Bill Gates We, the Global Prolife Alliance (GPA) want to draw your attention to a clear and present danger of planned Genocide of Doctors in Nigeria by Bill Gates. Since 2009, Bill Gates has sponsored terrorists branded Boko Haram, Bandits and Herdsmen to carry out genocide of farmers in Nigeria to capture Nigeria’s Food Security by implementing advanced Mapping System with Electronic Wallets Cell Phones facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture under Hon Minister Dr Akinwumi Adesina. The Nigerian Farmers especially Seed-growers were tracked and killed in their homes and farms. Consider this from 2015-2018, 37500 farmers were killed, 32000 were Muslims and 5,500 were Christians. Despite, the fact that 85% of the victims were Muslims, the international and local press propaganda mercenary bribed by Bill Gates branded it “Islamic Terrorism”. The victims were labeled the perpetrators and the latter the “philanthropists”. Any attempt to uncover the truth is met by another orchestrated kidnapping of school children for ransom to depict it as criminal activity rather than operations of Bill Gates and his Biotech accomplices. We write to warn that Bill Gates has began a new phase targeted at genocide of all doctors and other health professionals in Nigeria using similar Cell Phone Mapping System guided with GPS technology. The program is termed the third phase (2024) of the National Health Facility Survey (NHFS). Bill Gates hiding under his multiple organizations like the Global Fund is gathering data of doctors and other health workers with facilitation by the Federal Ministry of Health (see attached circular dated 27th February, 2024 REF.: MH/AD/1851/1/7). We strongly allege that the intention is to kill the health workers in Nigeria at their facilities. We will provide evidence to this effect when the National Assembly opens investigations on this. Health is national security and privacy of data is guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As an immediate stop-gap measure, NASS should issue a resolution stopping all such data collections pending further investigations. As we have previously alleged, the aim of Bill Gates and his BIOTECH cronies is to capture the food security of Nigeria and replace all natural seeds with toxic sterilizing genetically modified (GMO) seeds and hence can implement an Egg for Food program. In the Egg for Food Program, millions of Nigerian farmers would be told to have their wives and daughters forcefully donate their ovarian eggs in exchange for GMO ‘suicide’ seeds for planting. Other Nigerians who eat the poisonous GMO foods with sterilizing ‘Monsanto Epicyte Genes’ would rush to In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) Clinics to help them conceive, but instead their ovarian eggs would be poached for BIOTECH Labs abroad. This would in turn provide the BIOTECH companies over one hundred million ovarian eggs needed to perfect human organ cloning. The Bill Gates Cloning Business is estimated to be worth thirty trillion US Dollars, one third of world economy. Nigerians are the guinea-pigs for Bill Gates biotech industry because their government failed to protect them. It is estimated that over 10 million Nigerian women would die. The ovarian eggs of Nigerian women would be poached at a network of 250 hospitals owned by Bill Gates in Nigeria for which a contract for construction has been awarded. It is clear that Nigerian doctors would not cooperate with this evil plan, hence all practicing doctors in Nigeria must be eliminated. The attempt to buy off the doctors in the private sector failed. The relevant evidence to this effect would be provided at the Senate Hearings. We urge NASS to do the following: 1. Stop all data collection by Foreign Agents through the FMoH. 2. Suspend operations of all NGOs linked to Bill Gates and BIOTECH companies labeling them National Security threats and cooperation with them a potential treasonable felony. 3. Ban all GMO seeds cultivation and distribution in Nigeria. Amend the National Biosafety Management Agency Act 2015. 4. Repeal the National Health Act 2014 that authorizes collection of gametes and organs without consent. 5. Commence NASS hearings on the National Security Threat posed by Bill Gates, BIOTECH companies and their affiliates in Nigeria. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, PCnjemanze Academician Prince Dr Philip C. Njemanze MD (Hons), Chairman, Global Prolife Alliance (GPA), for the Council on National Policies; BOT member, Association of Catholic Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Owerri, Archdiocese, for Ethics Committee. Copies sent to: HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Speaker of the House NASS, Ministers, Bishop Conferences in Africa, Europe, Asia and America, Head of States of all UN member countries, US Congress, DOJ, ICC, UN Ambassadors, UN Agencies on Human Rights, African Union, Organization of American States, European Union Parliament, ASEAN, World Medical Association, Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC), ECOWAS, ILO, WTO, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, USAID, DFID, CIDA, International Human Rights Organizations, international press, local press, distinguished Nigerian and African socio-political leaders.
84-year-old renowned Belgian painter and writer, Erik Pervernagie, says: “People die from lack of shared empathy and affinity. By establishing social connectedness, we give hope a chance and the other can become heaven (“Le ciel c’est l’autre”). No institution has been so disparaged and stigmatised as the Nigeria Police. It is treated with so much contempt and neither appreciated nor celebrated. Rather, anything bad or despicable is attributed to the police. An average policeman is held in utmost and never enjoys any empathy or affinity from most Nigerians. Although the police are the friend of the people, the mutual reciprocity from the people is seemingly non-existent. The compensation is abysmal while the motivation is infinitesimal. That is why in its years of existence, no one has remembered to honour its men and officers who have excelled in their professional outings until the coming of IGP Olukayode Egbetokun. Hence, the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony held in Abuja last Monday was long overdue and an emotion-laden event. This was the first time the Nigeria Police celebrated itself by recognising gallantry, rewarding excellence and professionalism, thereby boosting the morale of officers and men, which has over the decades been at an all-time low. By this maiden award, the present Inspector General of Police has jump-started a new Nigeria Police Force whose personnel are ethically compliant, professionally focused, and stable with a strong reward culture and post-service incentives. The IGP has also, through this event, instituted a reward system and reputation management process that will ultimately change the general perception our people hold about the Nigeria Police. Going forward, the men and officers of the force will be motivated and energised to give their all in spite of the negative reception from the public and compete to be recognised and honoured. Putting the icing on the cake was the effervescent President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, who stole the show. It was, however, devoid of an elaborate sense of humour or trademark jokes nor hilarious laughter. It was the underpin of the inspirational remarks by the number one Legislator in Nigeria. In a delivery reminiscent of the oratory of a Barrack Obama, Luther King, William Churchill or Nelson Mandela, Akpabio’s speech evinced the feelings of empathy and affinity. Call it Sermon on the Mount, and you will be damn right! Because he gave the Nigeria Police Force a thump-up for the timely, strategic, and innovative strategies it has adopted in the cutting-edge reputation management of the organisation and the morale-boosting initiative adopted to foster professionalism, innovations, competition, and courage amongst its workforce. The admonition of Senator Akpabio falls within the prism of constructive stakeholders’ engagement and an urgent demand to integrate the force into a citizen-police cubicle. Drawing allusions from the Holy Books (the Bible and Koran) to drive home his message, Akpabio said, “I see hope in today’s event. The story is told of how Prophet Elijah (known in the Koran as Ilyās), after three and a half years of drought, asked his attendant to go and look for a rain cloud. After seven attempts, the assistant came back and told him that he had seen a small cloud, the size of a man’s hand. Not minding the size of the cloud, Elijah declared that a torrential downpour was impending”. Continuing, the Senate President was eclectic: “In this country we have had a deficit of heroes. Not because Nigerians are not heroic but because we do not celebrate our heroes. Yet heroes play a vital role in society through the provision of inspiration, motivation, hope and serving as representations of values and character. Celebrating heroes could bring the much-needed change we need in the fabric of our society and make our country a better place. “So today, I can see in this award ceremony a small rain cloud, the size of the hand of a man. But I declare, like Elijah, that out of this event shall come a mighty downpour of recognition of heroes and heroines in all sectors of the public service, law enforcement and allied service”. Delving into the literary world, Akpabio navigated the thoughts of one America’s finest naturalist, essayist, poet and philosopher, Henry David Thoreau. He said, “It is apt that the police should set the ball rolling for us in this hero’s recognition affair. Many have sought to hang the police to dry for all our many vices. But the truth of the matter is that the police are all members of our society. Down the ages the popular philosophical thinking was that man could not be better than the society because the society makes the man, socialises man, and orients him with a sense of right and wrong. But Henry David Thoreau came with a counter narrative that man can surpass societal limitations, and rise above societal norms and expectations”. According to Akpabio, “This is what the police are trying to do with this event under the current leadership. This leadership understands that the role of the police in a democracy cannot be overstated. They are the custodians of law and order, and they ensure the safety and security of the citizens. “In a democratic society, it is imperative that the police uphold the highest ethical standards in carrying out their duties. They are entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the rights and liberties of the people, while maintaining law and order. “Once again, I commend the police for this maiden effort in organising this awards ceremony. It is a testament to IGP Egbetokun’s commitment to giving honour to whom it is due. By recognising the gallant, selfless, and patriotic contributions of individual officers, will not only motivate them for higher performance but also reinforce the new policing agenda of the force. This agenda focuses on internal ethical regeneration, restoration of professional standards, and the enhancement of the anti-corruption drive”. He left some words of admonition: “However, let us not ignore the challenges faced by the police in Nigeria. The ever-evolving landscape of crime and the increasing sophistication of criminal gangs pose significant obstacles. More so, as we honour the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones because a chain is as strong as its weakest link. We must address these issues and work together to find solutions. The police need the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, to overcome these challenges and build a stronger and more effective police force. “I congratulate the awardees who have excelled in their respective fields of policing. Their dedication, bravery, and integrity have set them apart and made them deserving of this recognition. I commend every one of them for their outstanding performance and commitment to the service of our nation. I urge them to remember that to whom much is given, much is expected. “As the leader of the National Assembly, I pledge our full cooperation and support for the better policing of Nigeria. We recognize the importance of a well-equipped and motivated police force in ensuring the security and well-being of our citizens. We will continue to work tirelessly to provide the necessary legislative framework and resources to enable the police to carry out their duties effectively”. This is what our institutions need now, this is the quality Nigeria is looking for and the leaders that deserve to be at the helm of affairs. Senator Akpabio was generous in the act and in the heart of his personal support to the families of the posthumous awardees. Hon Eseme Eyiboh is the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and the official Spokesperson to the President of the Senate
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a further reduction of the price of diesel from N1,200 to N1,000 per litre. A statement today, April 16, from the refinery said that the substantial reduction amounted to over 30 per cent, from the previous market price of about N1,600 per litre. It said that the significant reduction in the price will positively affect all the spheres of the economy and ultimately reduce the high inflation rate in the country.
The Federal Government has sounded the alarm on potential flood risks, with 148 Local Government Areas (LGAs) spanning 31 states facing a high risk of flooding in 2024.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsevi, issued the warning today, April 16, at the official unveiling of the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) in Abuja, where AFO predicted potential impacts of the flood on population, agriculture, infrastructure,and livelihoods from April to November 2024.
With devastating flood events in recent years, including the 2012 and 2022 catastrophes, the government stressed the importance of proactive measures, early warning systems, and community engagement to mitigate risks and protect lives and property.
The identified states are Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Kogi.
Others are Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
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Police And Akpabio’s Sermon On The Mount, By Eseme Eyiboh
84-year-old renowned Belgian painter and writer, Erik Pervernagie, says: “People die from lack of shared empathy and affinity. By establishing social connectedness, we give hope a chance and the other can become heaven (“Le ciel c’est l’autre”).
No institution has been so disparaged and stigmatised as the Nigeria Police. It is treated with so much contempt and neither appreciated nor celebrated. Rather, anything bad or despicable is attributed to the police. An average policeman is held in utmost and never enjoys any empathy or affinity from most Nigerians. Although the police are the friend of the people, the mutual reciprocity from the people is seemingly non-existent. The compensation is abysmal while the motivation is infinitesimal.
That is why in its years of existence, no one has remembered to honour its men and officers who have excelled in their professional outings until the coming of IGP Olukayode Egbetokun. Hence, the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony held in Abuja last Monday was long overdue and an emotion-laden event. This was the first time the Nigeria Police celebrated itself by recognising gallantry, rewarding excellence and professionalism, thereby boosting the morale of officers and men, which has over the decades been at an all-time low.
By this maiden award, the present Inspector General of Police has jump-started a new Nigeria Police Force whose personnel are ethically compliant, professionally focused, and stable with a strong reward culture and post-service incentives. The IGP has also, through this event, instituted a reward system and reputation management process that will ultimately change the general perception our people hold about the Nigeria Police. Going forward, the men and officers of the force will be motivated and energised to give their all in spite of the negative reception from the public and compete to be recognised and honoured.
Putting the icing on the cake was the effervescent President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, who stole the show. It was, however, devoid of an elaborate sense of humour or trademark jokes nor hilarious laughter. It was the underpin of the inspirational remarks by the number one Legislator in Nigeria.
In a delivery reminiscent of the oratory of a Barrack Obama, Luther King, William Churchill or Nelson Mandela, Akpabio’s speech evinced the feelings of empathy and affinity. Call it Sermon on the Mount, and you will be damn right! Because he gave the Nigeria Police Force a thump-up for the timely, strategic, and innovative strategies it has adopted in the cutting-edge reputation management of the organisation and the morale-boosting initiative adopted to foster professionalism, innovations, competition, and courage amongst its workforce.
The admonition of Senator Akpabio falls within the prism of constructive stakeholders’ engagement and an urgent demand to integrate the force into a citizen-police cubicle. Drawing allusions from the Holy Books (the Bible and Koran) to drive home his message, Akpabio said, “I see hope in today’s event. The story is told of how Prophet Elijah (known in the Koran as Ilyās), after three and a half years of drought, asked his attendant to go and look for a rain cloud. After seven attempts, the assistant came back and told him that he had seen a small cloud, the size of a man’s hand. Not minding the size of the cloud, Elijah declared that a torrential downpour was impending”.
Continuing, the Senate President was eclectic: “In this country we have had a deficit of heroes. Not because Nigerians are not heroic but because we do not celebrate our heroes. Yet heroes play a vital role in society through the provision of inspiration, motivation, hope and serving as representations of values and character. Celebrating heroes could bring the much-needed change we need in the fabric of our society and make our country a better place.
“So today, I can see in this award ceremony a small rain cloud, the size of the hand of a man. But I declare, like Elijah, that out of this event shall come a mighty downpour of recognition of heroes and heroines in all sectors of the public service, law enforcement and allied service”.
Delving into the literary world, Akpabio navigated the thoughts of one America’s finest naturalist, essayist, poet and philosopher, Henry David Thoreau. He said, “It is apt that the police should set the ball rolling for us in this hero’s recognition affair. Many have sought to hang the police to dry for all our many vices. But the truth of the matter is that the police are all members of our society. Down the ages the popular philosophical thinking was that man could not be better than the society because the society makes the man, socialises man, and orients him with a sense of right and wrong. But Henry David Thoreau came with a counter narrative that man can surpass societal limitations, and rise above societal norms and expectations”.
According to Akpabio, “This is what the police are trying to do with this event under the current leadership. This leadership understands that the role of the police in a democracy cannot be overstated. They are the custodians of law and order, and they ensure the safety and security of the citizens.
“In a democratic society, it is imperative that the police uphold the highest ethical standards in carrying out their duties. They are entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the rights and liberties of the people, while maintaining law and order.
“Once again, I commend the police for this maiden effort in organising this awards ceremony. It is a testament to IGP Egbetokun’s commitment to giving honour to whom it is due. By recognising the gallant, selfless, and patriotic contributions of individual officers, will not only motivate them for higher performance but also reinforce the new policing agenda of the force. This agenda focuses on internal ethical regeneration, restoration of professional standards, and the enhancement of the anti-corruption drive”.
He left some words of admonition: “However, let us not ignore the challenges faced by the police in Nigeria. The ever-evolving landscape of crime and the increasing sophistication of criminal gangs pose significant obstacles. More so, as we honour the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones because a chain is as strong as its weakest link. We must address these issues and work together to find solutions. The police need the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, to overcome these challenges and build a stronger and more effective police force.
“I congratulate the awardees who have excelled in their respective fields of policing. Their dedication, bravery, and integrity have set them apart and made them deserving of this recognition. I commend every one of them for their outstanding performance and commitment to the service of our nation. I urge them to remember that to whom much is given, much is expected.
“As the leader of the National Assembly, I pledge our full cooperation and support for the better policing of Nigeria. We recognize the importance of a well-equipped and motivated police force in ensuring the security and well-being of our citizens. We will continue to work tirelessly to provide the necessary legislative framework and resources to enable the police to carry out their duties effectively”.
This is what our institutions need now, this is the quality Nigeria is looking for and the leaders that deserve to be at the helm of affairs. Senator Akpabio was generous in the act and in the heart of his personal support to the families of the posthumous awardees.
Hon Eseme Eyiboh is the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and the official Spokesperson to the President of the Senate