LAGOS – Julius Adegunna, a media executive and activist, says even though the criteria used are not clear, the Nigerian public would definitely knock the recent award given to the Nigeria Police by the Presidency as the Most Improved Service Delivery Parastatal (SERVICOM Unit) in Nigeria for the year 2024.

His point is that the general impression Nigerians have of the police contradicts the rationale behind the award.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), it would be recalled, recently received an award from the Presidency as the Most Improved Service Delivery Parastatal for 2024.

According to Adegunna, “I will say the organisers knew what they put into consideration before recommending the Nigeria Police for the award.

“We may not be able to question it, but we can confidently say that the Nigerian public may think otherwise. “Those who have one encounter or the other with the Police may be able to say better.

But, in the public space, the Police needs to do more to earn the confidence and the award of the Nigerian people.

“Whatever might have happened, this may still give a boost to the image of the Nigeria Police. I congratulate the men, the officers and the rank and file, as we expect a better outing next presentation.”

Apostle Kanayo Uchime, a missionary, in his reaction, stated: “Did I hear you say the Nigeria Police received an award for the most improved parastatal? This is really laughable, and the greatest irony of the year. “How would they receive such an award? Are we all blindfolded so as not to see clearly the very low performance of the Nigeria Police? “This is a country where the security apparatus has collapsed in its entirety. Do you need a soothsayer to tell you that? “Security in our country is in tatters and here we are; those responsible for its downward trend are receiving awards of excellence.

“This is a country where kidnappers, bandits, gunmen and what have you have taken over the entire terrain of the country, then the government had the audacity to reward people who have literally done nothing to stem that tide.

“Nigeria is just a country where sycophants are lifted to where they do not deserve. This is pitiable and very unacceptable. “The system needs a total overhaul as the centre cannot hold anymore.

“The security system in our country has totally collapsed, and the people who are to receive the blame are now lifted to a higher pedestal. “As I said earlier, this is very laughable to say the least.”

However, Bishop Joseph Ida Edoro, stated: “I think the innovation of the award by the Presidency to excelling parastatals is well thought out to aid performance.

“The issuance of the same to the Nigerian Police Force as the Best In Service Delivery is by no means adequate and proper.

“I congratulate the Nigerian Police Force and the Presidency and the people.

“This is not the first time that the Nigerian Police Force is receiving huge awards. Many international awards abound on the shelf of the NPF. “This one though, is very juicy and well deserved.

Parading an Inspector General of quality in all spheres of excellence, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, what do you expect? “He is leading a pack of seasoned top flight police officers to bring service delivery in the area of civil security and crime investigation.

“The Nigeria Police Force in the year in review has scored a first in crime reduction, creating an enabling environment for Nigerians to carry out their lawful duties in peace.

“Imagine the Nigerian Police Personnel are given a holiday for just a day? We will be in a state of nature.

“The reason for this progress leading to the award again, is hinged on the varied genuine postings of officers capable in their varied areas of postings.

“To have the small size of Police Force personnel in Nigeria with a population of 213 million in a country with 250 ethnic groups and over 500 languages and this country is not overrun by criminals and cult and organised crimes, is all service delivery.

“Kudos to all the members of the Police Force and the rank and file, risking their lives and making sacrifices to keep our streets safe.

“This is the most profound and successful period of the Nigerian Police Force. “I call on the Inspector General to continue his excellent run, and of course, track his records, you will discover that he has always excelled in all tasks given to him.

“This service delivery award is huge and worthy to be celebrated in all zones and State Commands, as well as other critical sectors like the highly successful Maritime sector and others.”