Must read: See why naija people no like police

written by Michael Ositadinma Duru 
“It is quite debilitating and annoying that the government institution established to foster peace and security, be the hope of a common man, downtrodden and victim of class abuse or harassment by the rich, has turned to be a tormentor and enemy to Nigerian citizens.
“Most people prefer to relinquish their valuables and rights when molested or abused. Some prefer to swallow their pain, anger and pride when their rights are been trampled upon by the influential ones than going to the police or court to seek for redress. Many are jailed for the crime they know nothing about.
Many are roasting in police cells today because they don’t have money to bail themselves. Many cases are left untouched and untreated because the complainant has no resources to push their case files. Many debts are not recovered today just because seeking the help of Nigerian Police Force will eventually result to sharing of that money if recovered from the debtor between the police and the owner.
“Many personnels of the Nigeria Police Force are seen today as monsters because of their negative behaviour and attitude to either accused or complainants. Many of our ladies are raped today while in police custody. What about the story and testimonies of our commercial motorists, drivers and commuters? They are singing and saying negative things about the Nigerian Police Force because they are mostly victims of police brutality and extortions. In fact, Police stations all over Nigeria are seen or regarded today by the common and average Nigerians as den of lions and rugs. Nowadays, people no longer regard Nigerian Police Force as friends of the common man.
“We read all over the news that the Federal Government had banned all roadblocks. But I ask if those ones in the South-East are not part of the ones banned? Or are they operating their own government separately? Plying fromthe  Onitsha Main bridge to Owerri, one will count about 20 to 30 police road blocks, each demanding #50 from motorists, some will even keep drums by the roadside where conductors will drop the money. The slogan used by the common man for the Nigeria Police Force  nowadays is “Come today, Come tomorrow.”
“What about those caught in armed robbery? In most of crime cases, the innocent suffer the most. If truth eventually re-surfaces, the Nigeria Police Force  will neither render apologies nor refund the money collected from these innocent victims. sSme of the police officers sell or trade guns to most of the criminals ,while some run as informants.
“Nigerian youths and citizens yearn for change. They cry for dignity in our Nigeria Police Force. Are we going to remain like this forever? No wonder they say the police are usually the first target or prey to an aggrieved youths, robbers or terrorist organisations. No wonder people now take the laws into their own hands. That’s why there is high rate of crime in our country. People no longer go to the police. Even when one have useful information, they prefer concealing it than giving it out in order not to fall victim of their unlawful arrests. Some of the members of the Nigeria Police Force  look dirty and shabbily. The majority of them are inapt for the job. Some of the senior officers lack investigative skills and intelligence needed for the job. That’s why the job looks unattractive for some people who really feel it’s their vocation. That’s why one will be forced to ask: Where are our philosophy, psychology, sociology and religion graduates who are actually supposed to be in this field of career?
“What are the reasons behind this ugly menace? Could it be that they are not well-funded? If that is the case, what about their yearly budget? Or could it be that the same corrupt society in which they are operating that is influencing them? If that is the case, what about the Zero Tolerance for corruption initiated by the present administration? Could it be that the rumours of convicted criminals eventually converted to become members of the Nigeria Police Force are true? Could it be that most people in the Nigeria Police Force  are not qualified to be there? Then what about the graduates and the qualified ones rooming about the street Looking for jobs?
“I weep for Nigeria, Giant of Africa, filled with hardworking people, a land endowed with so many natural resources. A land where those who are willing to serve and die for their fatherland are denied the opportunity because of the Who-do-you-know syndrome.
“But my belief in change remains untouchable. I believe in the Transformation Agenda of the present administration to restore the desired dignity in the Nigeria Police Force will be restored along with the hopes of a common man.
“My broader question is, What could be done to tackle and/or salvage this government-sensitive institution, considering the role it has for the society?”
source:naij.com