Weed out corrupt officers, Akpabio urges IG Egbetokun

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called on the Police, particularly the Inspector General, Kayode Egbetokun, to weed out bad officers from the force.

This was as he pledged the full cooperation and support of the National Assembly for better policing of Nigeria.

Akpabio said this at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony held on Monday evening in Abuja.

The Senate President commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the entire leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for organising the event and urged them to use the occasion to celebrate the achievements of the Nigeria Police Force and to reiterate the commitment to working together for a safer and more secured Nigeria.

He stated, “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, 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 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, he emphasised.

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 added that the Police Force needs the support of all stakeholders in the nation for effective service delivery.

He 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.

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 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.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima commended the Senate President and Kano State Governor for their “show of empathy” to the affected families.