The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance, on Thursday decorated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba with award of "Grand Defender of Democracy" in recognition of his non-bias leadership traits, professionalism and impressive performance of the Nigeria Police during the just concluded general elections.
SpyeTV News report that the Coalition which comprises leaders of 37 Pro-Democracy and Civil Society Organizations, stormed the Force Headquarters, Abuja to confer the honour on the Inspector General of Police for his giant strides since assumption of office.
The team leader, Comrade Femi Lawson, commended the IGP for providing effective and efficient leadership to the Police, which eventually led the high performance of personnel during the just concluded general elections and recognition of human rights compliance, discipline, welfare, infrastructural transformation, decency, and secure electoral process in Nigeria.
Comrade Lawson said, "It is also important to state that, when you look at the history of the Civil society of Nigeria and Police Force, it has been friendly and encouraging. The force has provided the leadership to the extent that, as Nigerians we are now beginning to see a sense of ownership, a sense of belonging in the current leadership that has been provided for the police force under the leadership of Usman Alkali Baba.
Reeling out some of Baba’s achievements, the CSOs spokesman and Deputy President, Comrade Ayo Ologun in his remarks titled "Police IG shown as an Eagle" stressed that, Baba has demonstrated professionalism under the most trying of circumstances; embodied patience when others long since would have walked away; demonstrated humanity toward people who some might say deserved none; and shown dedication to duty as the clock ticked long past the end of their scheduled workdays and those of their family members.
He said, the CSOs is pleased to recognize Usman Alkali Baba as the best of the best, those who have stood and said, “I can do that,” “I can give more,” or “I will walk in harm’s way.” This salute to our finest office officer is the best we have to offer".
Comrade Ologun quoting from author Thomas March's work 'Common Sense' said, “…the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly.”
He said, "while Paine’s words were offered in the context of the sacrifices associated with the Revolutionary War, his meaning, of course, was that we value things in life more significantly if we have worked to achieve them and that if recognition comes too easily, we do not appreciate it is as we would have if we had worked for it.
"The commemorative plaque to be given this afternoon only symbolize the great triumphs the honoree received in our noblest of professions. They merely are a token of the collective enthusiasm for the dedicated self-sacrifice and desire you have shown to make our nation an ideal place in which to live and work—simply a better place", he noted.
Responding, the Inspector-General of Police IGP Usman Alkali Baba thanked the Coalition for the honour, appreciated their respective efforts targeted at deepening democracy within the country.
He said, "Prior to the general elections, Nigeria Police Force trained over twenty thousand (20,000) officers and men which helped us to be more professional, as there was no serious issues with the Police.
"The Civil Society Organisations is critical to the development of the Force. Although, we have met during your demonstrations at one time or the other, we recognise your efforts in ensuring that democratic rules are put in place for the benefits of the citizens at large. Thanks for the award and we pledge to continue to hold the tenancy of the democratic process in Nigeria."
He further reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to continuous improvement of security networking and the general safety of the country."
The IGP further dedicated the award and certificate of recognition to the Force Management Team, the entire Police Force, the masses, and the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who he applauded for his efforts in bridging the gap between the Police and the Nigerian masses.