FEATURE ARTICLE

Thursday, January 23, 2025
[email protected]
Arizona, USA
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE

am reaching out to my fellow Nigerian police officers with concerns regarding their abuse of duties and as the instrument of intimidation and oppression.

In 2014, I expressed my views in an op-ed titled "Islam Means Peace," which aimed to engage the global Muslim community on the urgent issue of terrorism and the notable silence among adherents in denouncing it. The response to this piece was significant, and it aided in raising awareness among Muslims worldwide.

During that time, I encountered threats from ISIS at the height of their activity, a situation that has since improved due to actions taken by the U.S. and its allies. It is essential to remember that religion should enhance our individual relationship with the divine rather than foster reliance on religious leaders.

Meanwhile, to promote justice and equity throughout Nigeria, I feel it necessary to reach out to the Nigerian Police Force. As a law enforcement officer and professional in the U.S., I am alarmed by the suppression of free speech, religious manipulation by some religious leaders, and freedoms in Nigeria.

Furthermore, I am also troubled by the alliances between certain religious leaders and law enforcement, which appear to intimidate and unjustly arrest innocent individuals. Such actions could undermine the positive reforms being pursued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.

There is a notable trend of individuals departing from Pentecostalism and televangelism. More people are returning to foundational Christian practices, such as those in Baptist, Apostolic, Catholic, and Methodist traditions, which are regaining prominence.

Some individuals exploit religion to obscure ignorance, while true fulfillment arises from wisdom and understanding. In challenging times, we should support those contributing positively rather than those who distract and divide us.

Many individuals struggle with religious misinterpretation, incorrectly attributing their difficulties to government actions. Having been discouraged from watching television in the past, they now utilize television to disseminate misinformation and propagate poverty among their followers.

Religion should ideally promote moral development, forgiveness, and spirituality; unfortunately, this is not true in Nigeria today. Instead, we often witness religion being used as a means of arrest, intimidation, and financial exploitation.

Moreover, discerning authenticity in a religious representation can be challenging in poverty-stricken and contemporary societies like Nigeria. Expressions such as “In Jesus’ name” or “In sha Allah” are now provoking skepticism and mockery of religious leaders. These religious leaders' decades of lies and deception are being exposed through their fake miracles.

I urge the Nigeria Police Force to enhance its professionalism and refrain from acting as an instrument of oppression. It is critical to emphasize appropriate training and the development of officers to address complacency and negligence within their ranks. The Nigeria Police Force should promptly investigate and dismiss, if found guilty, any personnel being used by civilians to hinder the agency’s professionalism.

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