By Akanimo Kufre
Across the world, Police are symbol of protection and safety. Little wonder most police formations use shield and not swords on their badge, crest or insignia. Most times in Nigeria, if one stands with police men on road side, concerned friends will forego their busy schedule and stop by hoping to help one out of tight spot. More so, If you answer phone call and your explained location is police station, families and friends become alarmed that you are in dreadful trouble. ‘Where will I have the money to spend?’ goes the worry. As such, a big sigh of relieve would follow if you reply: ‘there is no problem!’ Â
By current standard it is expected that between N10,000 to N50,000 would be spent for your freedom. A reason trust is minimal between the Nigerian police and majority of her citizens. This also explains why you hardly see a cop with uniform immediately after his beat. Female cop barely exist beyond police station. Is there no integrity in serving in the Nigerian police?
The police career is honourable job. Its heroic creeds are clear, to protect lives and property including the law. The Senate in 2018 assured Nigerians speedy passage of the bill to re-enact the Police Act for responsive and efficient policing in Nigeria. The reforms seek to establish Community policing, boards that will ensure modern and accountable policing.
While the attitude of some greedy and poorly motivated individuals encourage corruption among police officers, quite a few distinguish themselves and are worthy of mention.  Such is CSP Francis Osagie, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘D’ Division Itam, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Mr Francis was honoured last December with integrity Award alongside the likes of former President of Appeal Court, Justice Ayo Salami and online Publisher of DailyNigerian, Jarfaar Jarfaar for expressing anti corruption attitude and integrity in their duties. This award was presented by an anti corruption NGO, Youth Alive Foundation in partnership with UKAID at Abuja.
For Mr Francis Osagie, his trusted qualities curb crime within his jurisdiction, endearing individuals and association to donate to his division perimeter fence project and he also reward 100 loyal police officers under him with Christmas gifts.
How does it feel to be awarded as a good cop?
I feel highly elated, for the first time I saw an organisation honoured integrity, for the first time I saw myself being vindicated because before now I have always been asking myself ‘Why stand out in the first instance, what reward is there for one that stands out?’ I hear voices like ‘you are a fool for what you are doing.’ And colleagues even confirm am wasting my time! But I felt so elated and motivated to continue when I was invited for that award I must confess
You have many awards here let’s know the difference you apply in your policing duty.
I remember when I was in the Police Academy, I was called by my commandant then, CP Shetima to take the oath of allegiance and secrecy amongst other policing oaths. I told them I don’t need to swear to commit myself to be dedicated to this job. I said my Yes will be yes and my nay, nay as the Bible requires. I am always guided by the oath I have taken to be my very best, to be dedicated, to serve with integrity and lead by example. I think that was the beginning for me. Am mindful of the fact that I have taken an oath and wherever I go I carry this mentality and this mindset. I don’t feel fulfilled when a house is burgled and the criminals are nowhere to be found, it is my duty to assure the people that the police will be there to ensure justice is meted upon the culprit. I don’t feel satisfied when someone tells me he is being molested for whatever reason by hoodlums. It is my duty to make sure people feel our impact. I am guided by the police Act to protect life and property. It has been my driving force. Making sure I count and am relevant wherever I go.
In this era that police is accepted to be very corrupt and unfriendly, can we have more cops like you?
Let me correct this impression. Back then I use to think am the only good cop, but as observable with one great man of God Elisha, he was shocked when the Lord told him He has 7000 other prophets. We have a lot of officers who distinguish themselves, who have stood out. Just like me we never wanted to come out to the open. We feel we might not be insulated when we are exposed because I must confess to you some in the system thrive on corruption as people have alleged. Â At times you are not given so much to run the system and at the end of the day you are expected to deliver, so that becomes a concern for many. Despite these challenges many stand out wherever they are deployed to work in their capacity. I want to believe this award will encourage them to come out, I had to come out from my cocoon. Having left the PMF, Police Mobile Force to work in the headquarters, someone sighted my qualities and was deployed to work as DPO, Abak. I found out the best platform is to showcase yourself wherever you work, show them you could be different. And I pray my other colleagues by virtue of this award given to me that they will be challenged to come out and let the people know we are so many out there.
How would you rate your police relationship with a bustling community as Itam?
In one word I would say our relationship is Wow! Before my arrival we have not been enduring, the issue of trust has not been there, confidence was at minimal. So we had to become who we were called to be in first instance, ‘Public Servant!’, to serve the people. And the people saw trust in us because trust is one thing I carry wherever I go to. For instance, to serve, you don’t exploit the people and you don’t marginalize the people. So I told officers in my Division I will not agree with anyone who collects money at the counter (front desk) when people come to lay complains, I will not consent to collecting of bribe and that bail is free! When the people saw we were not just talking but walking our talk, no rhetoric and they became very endearing. It has been a wonderful experience I must confess. The fence project has been the support we enjoy from people within my domain. People came and donated happily and I benefit the same way in terms of information and intelligence gathering. People here have now trust the police for once and share information without the fear of negative boomerang effect. So it has been cordial, very warmth and it is my prayer that we will sustain this momentum.
