“As we honour the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones because a chain is as strong as its weakest link”
The Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has urged the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to weed out bad officers from the police force.
He made the call at the inaugural Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony on Monday night in Abuja.
Akpabio pledged the support of the 10th Assembly for better policing in the country and to restore global policing standards.
The Senate President applauded Egbetokun thanked the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for organizing the event and urged them to use the occasion to celebrate the achievements of the Force and to reiterate their commitment to working together for a safer and more secure Nigeria.
He said: “I commend the police for this maiden effort in organizing this awards ceremony. It is a testament to IGP Egbetokun’s commitment to giving honour 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, the restoration of professional standards, and the enhancement of the anti-corruption drive.
“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 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, the 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.“
He added: “Moreso, 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.”
Akpabio told the audience, which included Vice President Kashim Shettima, that “as the leader of the National Assembly, I pledge our full cooperation and support for the better policing of Nigeria.
“We recognise 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.”
Speaking further, Akpabio stated that for effective service delivery, the police force requires the support of all stakeholders in the country.
Akpabio added: “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.
On February 20, 2024, the seven police personnel killed at Ugheli Forest in Delta State received posthumous awards in memory of the fallen heroes, in addition to awards for various aspects of policing.
Representatives of the families of the deceased personnel received the awards as well as cheques for their entitlements.
While presenting the posthumous awards on behalf of the Nigeria Police, Akpabio 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, committed to supporting 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 personnel.
On his part, Vice President Kashim Shettima commended the Senate President and the Kano State Governor for their “show of empathy” to the affected families.
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