Comrade Omoyele Sowore’s recent call for a complete overhaul of the Nigeria Police Force is timely and necessary. President Tinubu must act quickly to address the alarming abuse of police power, which has turned them into tools of intimidation against ordinary citizens.
In my 2014 op-ed, widely published locally and internationally, I discussed the urgent need for the global Muslim community to denounce terrorism, emphasizing that silence equates to complicity. During that period, I was ostracized by my religiously overzealous bigots and faced threats from ISIS, a situation that has improved thanks to decisive actions against terrorism by the United States of America. We must remember that religion should enhance our connection with the divine, not manipulate us and the vulnerable who lack critical thinking.
Currently, the suppression of free speech and religious manipulation by some leaders is deeply concerning. The alliance between certain Nigerian Pentecostal pastors and law enforcement raises questions about unjust arrests targeting critics of dubious behavior, which can potentially undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's reform efforts.
Once, institutions like the Baptist, Anglican, and Celestial churches provided moral and spiritual guidance, but today, many Pentecostal churches echo extremist behavior and existential prosperity at the expense of eternal salvation. Fortunately, a trend is emerging where people are returning to foundational Christian practices, away from the mercantilism of modern Pentecostalism.
Religion should nurture humanity, morality, forgiveness, and spirituality, but in Nigeria, it is often misused for intimidation and financial exploitation. We must support those fostering positive change instead of those who seek to divide and deceive us. The exploitation of followers by religious leaders is a disservice to Christianity and Islam in Nigeria, and it must end.
Authenticity in religious representation is increasingly difficult to discern in impoverished societies like Nigeria. Phrases like 'In Jesus’ name' or 'In sha Allah' are now met with skepticism, as many religious leaders face exposure for fake miracles and false promises of prosperity.
Have you noticed the decline of staged miracle shows led by these religious figures? I call on the Inspector General of Police to take action. It's crucial for the IGP to enhance the professionalism and operational efficiency of the force, ensuring they are not misused as instruments of oppression. Proper training and officer development are essential to combat complacency and negligence.
The Nigeria Police Force must thoroughly investigate any personnel collaborating with non-state actors, fake pastors, religious zealots, or unscrupulous civilians, taking disciplinary action where warranted to uphold and maintain professionalism, responsibility, integrity, courage, and efficiency (PRICE).
— Yahaya Balogun, writing from Arizona, USA.