By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Nigeria Police Force has issued a guideline on how Nigerians should relate with its men when they come across them.
In series of tweets via its official twitter handle @Police NG, the force put the burden of having a successful relationship with the police on the civilians and not its men.
For instance, it said: “Oftentimes, you hear people say things like ‘shoot me, if you can!’ Note that this is a recipe for disaster! It is very provocative and an unnecessary call for war. So, please play safe, more so, as you do not know the state of mind of the officer concerned.”
Another appeasement which the Police Force expects from Nigerians is to maintain a broad smile when they are stopped at checkpoints.
“Be friendly and cheerful. Commend the officers especially when you see them working under very unfriendly weather conditions such as the rains, the harsh harmattan conditions, excessive heat, cold or sunshine,” the tweet stated.
Some Nigerians have flayed the police for issuing guidelines that portray their men to be people that can be unreasonably provoked.
“Oh, so you have just confirmed you have officers with unstable state of mind. In other words, some of the policemen have mental challenges or are crazy? My wonderment! @segalink over to you!” says Jackson Ude, in response to the guideline.
Another tweet from @ScarTissue101, said: “Yes, it is provocative. Also, it is stupid to put guns in the hands of people with poor self-control. Instead of looking for ways to blame the victims for the abuse your men mete on them, you should be taking steps to mitigate abuse by your men.
“For your information, barely any one of their victims ever dared them to shoot. Was it Kolade Johnson who dared them to shoot?” he queried.
For Uzor Ndukwu: “If u want to be alive better listen.”
In April, the head of Police Public Complaint, Abayomi Shogunle, told Nigerians to communicate with police officers in pidgin English to avoid ‘kasala’ (trouble).
“For now, don’t go and be speaking Queen’s English with them (policemen) on the road. For proper understanding talk to them in Pidgin, another way to avoid kasala.
Aside the guidelines which appear to demand that civilians appease the police officers, there are some useful tips in the tweet.
“Keep your hands visible to avoid unnecessary suspicion or fear by the officers that you are attempting to bring out a gun or other harmful objects to attack them.
“Turn on the inner light of your vehicle while approaching the cops (if at night). It readily sends an unspoken message that you have nothing to hide.
“Endeavor to slow down your vehicle. It shows that you are not reckless. It also douses suspicion that you are a criminal and may want to speed-off.”