Last week, the men of the Nigeria Police did something for which they have never been known for. When the police tell us they are our friends, they know as much as we all do that not only are they not convincing enough, but their actions and conducts have never depicted anything to suggest that they can be trusted to be taken as friends.
The police authorities cannot pretend not to know that the image of the force in the public domain is not one to be proud of. Yet, while the police want us to believe that they can be relied upon, the average man on the streets would rather suffer in silence than have their case reported to the police. For many Nigerians, taking their matter before the police would amount to a double whammy.
Perhaps, this mistrust and poor police-citizens relationships came to a head when in October 2020, the entire nation was gripped by the #EndSARS protests which saw the loss of lives of many across the nation, especially at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.
Young people across Nigeria took to the streets calling for the disbanding of an abusive police unit known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and for ending brutality in a movement tagged #EndSARS. Security forces responded with excessive force, including gunfire, which resulted in death and serious injuries.
That October 2020 movement was a sad commentary not just for SARS, but the institution as a whole and the resultant effect is that several police stations were attacked and torched. A wanton destruction that the police are yet to recover from over three years later.
Perhaps, a better handling of the protest and the protesters by the police and the military would have spared the nation the colossal loss arising from the unfortunate incident. So, that speaks more to our handling of protest and crisis management. Why use live rounds or arms at defenceless protesters? Is that the best practice obtainable elsewhere?
The atrocities of our policemen, many have tried to explain, stem from the fact they too are victims and products of institutional neglect. They are poorly treated and their welfare is hardly catered for. Many of them die in penury while their families are left in misery. How do you expect much from a man who is expected to give so much but gets little or nothing by way of remuneration or benefits?
But even all this still does not explain or justify why the police would treat the people the way they do. There are greater questions or concerns over the method of recruitment of the police. People with questionable backgrounds are daily being recruited into the force. What do we expect from such persons when they now operate under the cover of the institution?
However, last week during the Labour-led protests across the nation, the police left many Nigerians in shock and disbelief when they showed a part of them many of us doubted or did not know they were capable of.
During the protest, the police rather than firing teargas canisters or molesting or shooting protesters distributed biscuits and water to the people. Many are still in awe, including yours sincerely. Nigeria police give you biscuits and water during a protest against the government? Whosoever idea this is, that person should rise to the pinnacle of the force; that is if the idea is not from the IGP.
Police commissioner Adegoke Fayoade, while explaining the action, said the Lagos command provided water and biscuits for protesters to prevent anyone from collapsing on the way.
Mr. Fayoade disclosed this in Lagos on the sidelines of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) nationwide hunger protest on Tuesday.
He said the journey was a long distance for protesters trekking, coupled with the hot weather, hence the need for at least water and biscuits to give the participants strength for a successful protest.
“I provided water and biscuits because I don’t want anyone to collapse on the way. We have to use water to strengthen everybody. That is the least we could do,” he said.
Mr. Fayoade, who described the protest as peaceful, said no one was arrested for any violations during the protest.
“The protest went on as agreed with the NLC leadership. We promised them protection and we provided such from the beginning to the end. The same protection will be provided on Wednesday and I will be part of the operation,” the police chief in Lagos said.
The police boss added that the command remained committed to protecting lives and properties in Lagos.
He urged the residents to support the police and other security agencies by providing timely information on crimes.
Now, compare the approach of CP Fayoade, with those before him. The story would have read something like: “All attempts by the police to calm the unruly protesters were to no avail as they started attacking our men who then applied minimum force to protect their lives. The claim that the police used live rounds at the protesters was false as the police only shot into the air to disperse the protesters. The two reported deaths were from bullets fired by some miscreants who had hijacked the protest.”
That is the usual story by the police while covering their acts of overzealousness and unnecessary show of brute force.
What Fayoade achieved by this singular act is immense. He has given to the people a different perspective of the police. He has reduced the trust deficit of the police before the public by a wide margin. His action too would have gone a long way to temperate the conduct of the protesters. Why will any protester want to attack a friendly policeman? Did the action of the police show support for protesters? Not really, but it did confirm that the protesters acted within their rights to a peaceful protest.
This more than anyone else should speak to the question on how to manage voices of dissent or protest in the country. Fayoade has confirmed that the police are actually to protect protesters during protests.
Kudos to Fayoade. But before the people can trust the police enough to be their friends they must do more to prove that this is not just a fluke. Otherwise, with a friend like the Nigeria police, you don’t need an enemy. Apologies to the late Chief M. K. O. Abiola.
