The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has praised the prompt action of the Nigerian Police in disavowing, apprehending, and terminating the services of two special constabularies who sought to extort a Dutch power bike cyclist from the force.
Reports state that the announcement of the dismissal was made by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Hamzat Adebola, at the police headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan on Thursday.
The two special constabularies, identified as Jimoh Lukmon and Kareem Fatai, were captured in a recent viral video soliciting money from a Dutch tourist traveling to Abuja on a power bike.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Press, Paul Odenyi, on Friday, the police officers caught extorting money from a Dutch tourist were described as unpatriotic and a negative representation of Nigerian culture.
The Director-General of the agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, expressed regret over the incident, stating that the true Nigerian spirit condemns theft in any form.
The statement read, “Those officers didn’t portray themselves as real Nigerians. A real Nigerian is honest, dedicated, courteous and hardworking. No real Nigerian would descend that low to demand bribes from a tourist. Let it be known that this is not us. This is not the real Nigerian spirit.”
Issa-Onilu also praised the Dutch tourist for taking the bold step of reporting to the authorities.
“What they have done is totally against the laws of our country and it behoves on every one of us, to report such unruly behaviour, whenever, to constituted authorities for prompt disciplinary action,” The DG said.
Regarding authentic Nigerian values, Issa-Onilu mentioned that the forthcoming government-released lifestyle charter will articulate the nation’s commitments to its citizens and outline citizens’ codes of duty to the country. He emphasized that these principles transcend religious, tribal, or political party affiliations.
“The government will not tolerate any act that puts our country in a disreputable stance amongst nations,” he said.
Issa-Onilu further urged all Nigerians to embrace the new dawn of renewed hope that depicts the real Nigerian spirit.