Agberen Applauds NPF For Rewarding Performing Policemen, Calls For Improved Welfare For Police Officers

By Daniel Dafe

Comr.(Amb.) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, National Coordinator, “No Justice, No Peace Initiative,” has applauded the Nigerian Police Force for deciding to honour and reward outstanding police officers, just as he called for an improved welfare for police officers .

Recall that the maiden Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony, that held on Monday, 15th April, 2024, at Transcorp Hilton Congress Hall, Abuja, was organized by the Nigeria Police Force, Headquarters, Abuja, through the office of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun PhD, where national honours were presented to deserving Nigerian Police officers by the Vice President of Nigeria; Kashim Shettima, for their relentless efforts put into combating crimes and redefining Policing in Nigeria.

According to Agberen in a statement on Thursday, this “should be an eye opener to both the serving senior and junior police officers in the federation.”

He added: “Having the likes of CSP Shaba Aliyu, as best DPO and best Police Officer of the year and the likes of SP. Bright Edafe, awarded as PRO of the year was inspiring. Fortunately, both senior Police Officers are serving under the Delta State Police Command and have duly served humanity in their respective discipline, in the course of Policing.”

He continued: “Firstly, I commend the Nigeria Police Force, for carefully profiling and checkmating the antecedents of the awardees, as all recognitions given were unbiased but strictly, on the ground of merits. Hence, this exercise should be continuous and sustained by the Nigeria Police Force, as it will help to motivate and checkmate activities of both the senior Police officers and that of the rank and files.

“Secondly, it is no longer news to the Police Force, that a lot of senior and junior Police officers serving in their respective areas, prefers going for money exchange over doing the noble thing. They wholeheartedly, choose to underperform, with claims about the poor welfare given to the Nigerian Police, during and after service. These has been major challenges and factors in recent times, that have underscored Nigerian Police Officers from diligently serving, protecting lives and property, as it has influenced extortions, police brutality, unlawful activities among men of the Nigerian Police. This has resulted in a rise in cases of abuse of office and human rights, despite punitive actions taken against erring officers by the Police force.”

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Furthermore, he said: “No doubts, that the general welfare of the Nigeria Police men and officers is so appalling and under terrible conditions, that the welfare of police officers was one from the five points demands of the #EndSars protesters. The government under the President Buhari’s administration, promised to review and improve the welfare of police officers, particularly salaries. But this has still not been done. Welfare issues are not just limited to salaries. They also include affordable and decent housing, health care, clothing, promotion and a conductive working environment, which entails the conditions of Police Officers in totality, even after service.

“The Nigeria Police Service Commission(PSC), through its Chairman; Dr. Solomon Arase(Rtd) and the Inspector General of Police; IGP Kayode Egbetokun PhD, should as matter of urgency, approach, engage the the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, to review and ensure the welfare and conditions of the Nigeria Policemen are improved. Corruption and bribery are thought to decrease with higher government pay and better conditions, if given to the Police. Meanwhile, the state of the welfare of the Nigeria Policemen shouldn’t be excuses to abuse human rights, indulging in dubious activities to make money but, should be services given to humanity and her nation’s pride. CSP Aliyu Shaba and SP. Bright Edafe remains image makers and are perfect examples for Commissioner’s of Police(CP), Area Commander’s (AC), DPO’s, Senior Police Officers and to even the rank and files to emulate in the Delta State Police Command and nation at large.”