For effective policing and better results in crime prevention, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has tasked the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to weed out the bad eggs in the Police Force.
The Senate President gave the charge on Monday night at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony which was held in Abuja.
While congratulating the awardees and pledging the National Assembly’s support and cooperation “to provide the necessary legislative framework and resources to enable the police to carry out their duties effectively”, Senator Akpabio maintained that while good officers were being honored the bad ones must be shown the way out.
He said: “I commend the Police for this maiden effort in organising this awards ceremony. It is a testament to IGP Egbetokun’s commitment to giving honor to whom it is due.
“By recognizing the gallant, selfless, and patriotic contributions of individual officers, we 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.
“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.
“Moreso, as we honor the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones because a chain is as strong as its weakest link. It is crucial that we 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 each and 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.”
In addition to the awards given on various aspects of policing, posthumous awards in memorial recognition of the fallen heroes were given to the seven police personnel killed at Ugheli forest in Delta State on 20th February 2024.
Representatives of the families of the deceased received the awards as well as cheques for their entitlements.
Akpabio, while making the presentation of the posthumous awards on behalf of the Nigeria Police, announced that he would support each of the families with one million naira to pay their way back home while the Senate as an institution made a commitment to support the families of the deceased with N20 million.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf also announced a donation of N20 million to support the families of the deceased.
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima commended the Senate President and Kano State Governor for their “show of empathy” to the affected families.
