Reports of alleged extortion by some cops and native vigilantes alongside the previous Aviele–Auchi Road have raised severe considerations. Motorists and motorcyclists reportedly face calls for for cash, prompting public reactions and confrontations.
While such allegations deserve correct investigation, one other query deserves consideration: Have we turn into so desperate to demand accountability that we have now forgotten the significance of maturity and respect?
In at present’s Nigeria, it seems that a smartphone digital camera can flip anybody right into a decide, prosecutor, and commander. Imagine a civilian ordering a serving officer to sit down on the ground within the title of accountability. Is that the correct solution to handle alleged misconduct? Let us be clear: sporting a uniform doesn’t place anybody above the legislation. Any officer discovered responsible of extortion ought to face applicable disciplinary motion. However, demanding accountability is completely different from intentionally humiliating an officer in public.
What if such a confrontation escalates into violence? What if an officer loses management and opens hearth? The penalties may very well be tragic, leaving harmless individuals lifeless and households devastated. Officers should train restraint, whereas civilians should perceive that difficult authority doesn’t require scary a harmful confrontation.
Social media has additionally turned severe incidents into public leisure. A video seems on Facebook, and earlier than the complete circumstances are established, individuals turn into judges and ship their verdicts. Recording misconduct can serve the general public curiosity, however a video clip might not inform the entire story.
Respect, nevertheless, mustn’t ever turn into an excuse for extortion. Citizens shouldn’t be pressured to pay illegal calls for, and officers should not abuse their authority. Voluntary appreciation for an officer’s service is solely completely different from cash obtained by means of intimidation.
Idris Rufai,
