RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos.
The Presiding Bishop of the Kings In Christ Power Ministries International Bishop, (Dr) Chidi Anthony has implored the federal government to improve upon the welfare of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.
Bishop Chidi, a philantropist and also President Pentecostal Ministers Forum argued that the move would enable the cops to go extra miles in putting in the best while discharging their duties.
The cleric made the appeal at the national maiden award, book launch and handing over ceremony of the outgoing national coordinator, marking the 25 year anniversary of the Christian Police Fellowship, held at the Police College, Ikeja Lagos.
He opined that the cops are not adequately remunerated and provided the necessary enabling working environment.
The Pentecostal Bishop emphasised that an improved welfare package for the policemen will definitely equate and makes them compare favourably with their counterparts across the globe.
According to the renowned clergy, security operatives require pleasurable remuneration commiserate with the nature of their duties, stressing that the task of protecting lives and properties is arduous.
His words, ” The police are lacking the basis, the things that would help their lives and make them offer their best in service delivery. How can a person serve his country wholeheartedly for 35 years and have nothing to show for it after retirement? This is different from what is obtainable in the outside world. If you travel to the western world, you see how well they treat their security operatives. The people that deserve to be treated very well are the security people because they are the ones protecting lives and properties.
So, am beaconing on the federal government and the leadership of the Nigeria Police to urgently improve the welfare of the policemen. The security people should be well treated because of the nature of their job”.
In addition, Bishop Chidi called on members of the public to support the police, pointing out that they deserve support and encouragement from the public.
Stressing that the Nigeria Police Force parades an array of righteous and honest officers and men, the clergy appealed to the public to change their negative perception of the cops.
” These people, whatever we can do to support them, we need to support them. Inspite public perception, there are good ones among the policemen, there are good ones who are ready to serve this country with their lives, there are those ready to do the work without compromising.
“Yes, there is corruption everywhere, but there are some policemen who can resist corruption. So the public should change their perception of seeing the police as their enemy. I have interacted and discovered that there are good people in the police force and the best people you can have as a friend, some of them are in the police”, he enthused.
The clergy, who was also honoured with the CPFN Appreciation Award as part of highlights of the event, expressed profound appreciation for the gesture, assuring that it will spur him to continue to support the organisation.
His words, ” Am very happy over the award and it is in recognition of my contributions and support to the police both at the Division, Area, State Command and Zonal levels. For them to have recognised my little efforts in supporting them, by giving me this award, i promise here that i am going to do more”.