Nigerian Police Officer Claps Back At UK Politician, Kemi Badenoch Over Criticism Of NPF

An Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Zyad Ibn Isah, has taken a swipe at Kemi Badenoch, the United Kingdom Conservative Party leader, following her latest remarks about the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). 

Badenoch, a British politician of Nigerian descent, has gained attention for her critical commentary on Nigeria, particularly its systems and institutions. Her rhetoric, which surfaced prominently during her political campaigns, has sparked outrage among Nigerians who view her comments as overly negative. 

In a trending interview with a US media outfit, The Free Press, she was asked whether she trusted the British Police.

In her response, the UK opposition leader said while the British Police officers were professionals, the same could not be said of their Nigerian counterparts.

She went on to recall how police officers allegedly stole her brother's shoes and watch during her stay in Nigeria.

“I do. My experience with the police in Nigeria was very negative, and coming to the UK, my first experience with the police was very positive. The police in Nigeria would rob us.

“I remember the police stealing my brother’s shoes and his watch. It’s a very poor country, so people do all sorts of things.”

“They took his shoe and his watch?” the interviewer exclaimed in shock.

Badenoch continued: “It’s a very poor country. People do all sorts of things. So, giving people a gun is just a license to intimidate. But that’s not just the problem. That is not the bar we should use for the British Police. When I was burgled, for example, the police were there. They were helpful before they eventually caught the person. This was in 2004, that was 20 years ago.”

In a social media post, ASP Isah, who also serves as the media aide to the chairman of the Police Service Commission, responded pointedly to Badenoch’s critique. He drew comparisons between the historical struggles of the UK’s law enforcement and the current challenges of the Nigerian police. 

Referencing the history of the London Metropolitan Police, Isah wrote, “I would recommend David Rose’s *In the Name of the Law* to Kemi Badenoch. The truth is, the London Metropolitan Police was a mess in the 1960s, 1970s, and even the 1980s. It was through various reforms and even a change of name that they became what they are today." 

The officer emphasized that the British police force, now widely regarded as a model of law enforcement, only achieved its standing after years of reform. He argued that similar efforts could elevate the Nigerian police. 

“Nigeria and its police force are not perfect—we know that. But we will rise from the ashes, just like the UK and its police force,” Isah asserted, adding, “Aunty Kemi should enjoy her new pastime of denigrating her fatherland while it lasts.” 

The post has stirred mixed reactions, with some Nigerians supporting Isah’s defense of the NPF while others pointed out the urgent need for reforms within the force. Badenoch, whose comments often highlight systemic flaws in Nigeria, has yet to respond to the ASP’s remarks. 

---

Posted: at 15-12-2024 02:56 PM (4 months ago) | Addicted Hero

"But we will rise from the ashes", since how many years you are still rising from ashes. Even if you give NPF another 100years with these bad leaders, it will still be a sorry case. We might look at it that what she said is disrespectful publicly BUT I TELL YOU IS FOOD FOR THOUGHT. NPF should go and put their house in order because it's a shame on them and their leaders.

Posted: at 15-12-2024 03:11 PM (4 months ago) | Addicted Hero

Raise TO Fall

Posted: at 15-12-2024 05:47 PM (4 months ago) | Upcoming