The video news of a Nigerian police officer slapped by Seun Kuti the son of late Afro Music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti went viral recently as it became the top gist of the moment..
The people were so surprised that a Nigerian citizen will have such gut to slap a Nigerian police officer that are well known for civilian brutality and oppression.
Some supported the musician’s action while most condemned his action with no room for explanation on what transpired between Seun and the Officer while others stayed neutral and wish to know what prompted his action since he had not been diagnosed with any mental case, believing something must had provoked him.
Recently there was rumour that the officer said he will kill Seun with his family and nothing will happen such statement is common with armed officers in Nigeria.
This is a test to Nigerian police and our judicial system to protect the civilian in Nigeria. Police oppress Nigerians on daily basis as they are aware very few Nigerians have access to lawful guns, to this end it is time for our Constitution to allow responsible and qualified Nigerians to possess ammunitions as a form of defence.
It is also a common knowledge how Nigerian police violate our Constitution in parading and brutalize yet to be charged suspects.
What can help Nigerian police is simple which are enumerated below:
Recruitment of qualified, well behaved, people with empathy, excellent continuous training for the officers, prompt appropriate sanction for erring officers are very important.
Finally our police renumerations should be improved and kit them with body worn cameras, teasers, pepper spray and many other for seamless performance of their duty.
Engr. Bola Babarinde, write from Lagos
