Nigeria Police Bagged Award: International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Under The Leadership of Dr. Friday Sani Awarded CP M.I. Hafiz, Delta State for Playing Key Role in the Fight Against COVID-19, And Affirmed Partnership in Protection of Fundamental Rights and Defence of Democracy

It is apparent that indiscipline, un-professionalism, and widespread corruption have been the bane of the Nigeria Police over the years, a situation that has greatly hampered the quality of service delivery. 

The International Human Rights Commission(IHRC) under the leadership of the International Secretary-General, Prof. Sir Rafal Marcin Wasik, and the Nigeria Country Head, Amb. Dr. Sani Friday, paid a solidarity visit to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP M.I. Hafiz.

 

The visit led by Fidelis Onakpoma, Delta State Representative of IHRC with other members of IHRC. This was  aimed  to first, acknowledge the civic effort of CP M.I. Hafiz for ensuring the cooperation of Deltans in the Lockdown order. This  was a proactive step from His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, the executive governor of Delta State in combating the spread of the novel coronavirus in the State. 

Secondly, It is to establish a partnership between the IHRC and the Nigerian Police in ensuring fundamental human rights protection and sustainable development in Delta State. 

The acknowledgment was accompanied by the official presentation of an Award Certificate from the IHRC and was presented by Fidelis Onakpoma alongside members of the International Human Rights Commission Barr. Elizabeth Ekwerekwu and Barr. Blessing Umeokafor. 

While making the presentation, Fidelis Onakpoma noted that “enforcing the lockdown order in Delta State as a measure to stop the spread of Coronavirus could not be achieved because many Deltans still doubt if COVID-19 is real. The lockdown order was made possible through the operation of the Nigerian Police and other law enforcement agencies across the State".

Extortion, embezzlement, and other corrupt practices by Nigeria’s police undermine the fundamental human rights of Nigerians. These abuses range from arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention to threats and acts of violence, including physical and sexual assault, torture, and even extrajudicial killings. 

Expressing his gratitude to IHRC for the award, CP M. I. Hafiz stated that the IHRC is a watchdog and a reputable organization known for humanitarian assistance with integrity and honesty in their practices. 

He added that, since the outbreak of the Coronavirus in Nigeria, Delta State was amongst the 3rd or 4th States who were proactive by issuing the lockdown order to combat the spread of the virus in the State. 

Many Nigerian police officers conduct themselves in an exemplary manner, working in difficult and often dangerous conditions but our services are hardly recognized or appreciated by Nigerian citizens, advocates, and other interesting groups; despite the deaths, incapacitation, and other vulnerable situations faced by the Nigerian Police. But for many Nigerians, the police force has utterly failed to fulfill its mandate of providing public security. 

The CP also gave instances of human rights violations, sexual violence against women and girls in the Delta State, and assured the IHRC that he will ensure justice will be served to the perpetrators accordingly.

He charged the IHRC not to compromise because many advocacy groups and some imposters have also paraded themselves as human rights activists by giving out Identity cards to fraudsters to identify themselves as human rights activists thereby perpetrating fraud in the society. 

Responding, IHRC activities are highly guided and overseen by the International Head of Operations. The Organization work to ensure equality and equity to all, including law enforcement agencies. 

I would have you to rest assured that our activities will bridge no justice or moral conduct, said Fidelis Onakpoma. Finally, the CP expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Inspector General of Police to the leadership of the International Human Rights Commission and assured the team of his partnership in Delta State.