Nigeria Police Not Corrupt - Chaplain

Chaplain of the Nigeria Police Force, Garki Police Barracks chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Raphael Fagbohun, has described as false, claims by critics that the police is graft –ridden.

The chaplain insists that the alleged corruption in the system is not institutional as portrayed but a personal and societal issue that affects the country at large.

Fagbohun who was speaking on behalf of pioneer chaplains of the various police chaplaincies, as part of activities to mark its 7th anniversary, at the Garki, Police Barracks, noted that the police has continued to wax stronger and fulfil its set goals.

While describing the Police force as a security outfit with high level integrity and discipline, he wondered why  critics have failed to applaud and appreciate the service for its ability to adhere strictly to laid down rules, which have led to the outright dismissal of officers found wanting in various areas.

The chaplain, an assistant superintendent of police maintained that corruption is a Nigerian problem which should not be limited to the police service, stressing that “the police force is just a part of the society with corrupt individuals who are personnel of the force which does not condone any form of corruption.

“Every wise person knows that corruption is a Nigerian problem and not a police issue. The Nigeria police force as an organisation is not corrupt but holds high discipline even till date. Corruption is a societal problem that has to do with Nigeria as a whole.”

Speaking further on efforts of the chaplains to right the wrongs associated with its personnel, Fagbohun said, no fewer than 102 Imams and Pastors have been trained and commissioned in the police force.

“Though spiritual matters are not easily physically observable, but we can point out that our success is visible in the areas of establishment of places of worship for officers and men and their families to easily connect spiritually with their God in all police formations and barracks throughout the country”.

While explaining that the police chaplaincy is purely an administrative section of the force meant to help shape and oversee the spiritual growth of its officers and men, Fagbohun warned religious fundamentalists to desist from politicising the vision, as it is an inter- denominational affair.

http://www.leadership.ng/nga/articles/51392/2013/04/03/nigeria_police_not_corrupt_chaplain.html