CSP Francis Osagie Erhabor, the policeman and Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of ‘D’ division Itam in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, who rejected N864m million bribe has resigned
His words: “I joined this noble profession as a cadet inspector on the 2nd of April, 1990. I was 17 years plus at the time. I was told by cerebral and seasoned Police officers like AIG Albasu, AIG Akagbosun, AIG Iyamabo, and DIG Ugowe all retired, that the force needed folks like me. Youths who were patriotic and passionate.”
“I loved and believed in this project called Nigeria, and the profession, the Nigeria Police was a great platform to serve my fatherland. I sincerely believed in this job, loved this job and sacrificed so much for this job.”
“Looking back, all I see is “nobody cares”. Being cheated out of promotion not once, twice or thrice. Served over thirty years meritoriously and stainless by God’s grace, and not honoured by the system, instead have only enjoyed promotion only 5 times. I thank God for His grace, that insulated me for the past 30yrs.”
“As a pipeline Commander in Edo State, I turned down N6.5m weekly; N24m monthly; N288m yearly, and a whooping sum of N864m for the 3years I served as a commander.”
“I have no regrets If given the test again, I will repeat same feat, without thinking twice, even though some of my colleagues term me a fool.”
“I even volunteered as an instructor, to train Police Mobile Personnel at Limakara, Gwoza, Borno State for over 3 years. Discharged my duty as an instructor, in the most harshest and difficult condition, without any commendation, reward or promotion, and today only for just working within the corridors of power; or being able to grease some palms or, as claimed, being attacked because of #EndSARS, Juniors will just be promoted above their superiors just like that.”
“I have witnessed my juniors get promoted over me over and over again, and it hurts deeply. I filed a complaint, asked for ratification of my promotion date, and was even investigated, with the outcome verified in my favour, yet nothing has been done to remedy the situation.”
“This profession I once called a noble one, doesn’t care about those of us who tread the path of honour and dignity. I once had a dream about the Nigeria Police Force, becoming the people’s force; the country’s pride. So sad, I no longer believe in the system as a noble one, but one where mediocrity, nepotism, and all other ignoble acts are given higher preference.”
“I am sorry I let all my fans down. I am deeply sorry for not finishing where you all expected me to finish. Thanks for your strong and relentless faith in me. I remain forever grateful to you all.”
Story credit: Tokunbor AremoOdua