Citizens’ gavel awards police officers for professionalism in discharge of duties

Citizens’ gavel, a human rights-focused organization have awarded four Nigerian police officers for professionalism and ensuring that the rights of citizens are not violated while discharging their duties.

The organisation in a statement signed by it’s Communications Associate, Taiwo Makanjuola, decried that innocent citizens striving to make ends meet are accosted daily by rogue police officers who commit different human rights violations.

“However, amidst these recalcitrant officers are the “good guys”; patriotic officers who have consistently shown kindness to citizens, put their lives on the line, and have upheld the oaths of their profession with discipline and utmost diligence”, the statement read.

According to the statement, the officers which received it’s maiden “Askari Wey Correct” Awards following a unanimous approval from the public include, CSP Julius Adedeji, a Staff Officer in the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP); DSP Iheanachor Ifeanyi Omuta, assigned to the Force Intelligence Response Team, Lagos State;
ACP Marcus Ishaku Bashiran, head of the Complaint Response Unit of the Nigeria Police Force; ASP Saviour Bassey; a finance officer in the office of the IGP.

“These are officers who have consistently shown kindness to citizens, put their lives on the line and have upheld the oaths of their profession with utmost diligence”, the statement read.

Citizens’ Gavel explained that the ‘Askari Wey Correct Awards’ is an initiative that seeks to motivate officers who have shown exemplary behaviour in the line of duty while also believing that the same recognition will spur other officers to exemplify good behaviour in furtherance of their public duty, regardless of location knowing that citizens are watching.

The awards is also a citizens led approach achieved through a public nomination and fact-finding background check. Officers who have exhibited professional conduct worthy of praise and recognition in the eyes of the public are thereafter rewarded along with an excellence award.

Citizens’ Gavel, is a not-for-profit organization with the aim of protecting fundamental human rights and providing legal assistance for indigent persons. The Organisation have played a major role in reducing police brutality in Nigeria through advocacy like EndSARS (and the passage of the new Police Act.).