Posted by Samuel on Wed 18th Dec, 2024 - tori.ng
Akintola’s remarks followed Badenoch’s disclosure that operatives of the Nigerian police had stolen her brother's shoes, leading her to criticise the entire force and, by extension, Nigeria.
Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has urged the Nigerian police to implement a 24-hour work boycott in protest against recent comments made by Kemi Badenoch, a Nigeria-born leader of the British Conservative Party.
Akintola’s remarks followed Badenoch’s disclosure that operatives of the Nigerian police had stolen her brother's shoes, leading her to criticise the entire force and, by extension, Nigeria.
In a statement released on Wednesday and obtained by SaharaReporters, Akintola expressed his discontent and disclosed that Badenoch’s comments insulted the nation’s law enforcement and tarnished Nigeria's image.
“Kemi Badenoch should consider bringing British police officers with her on her next visit to Nigeria,” Akintola said, adding that a symbolic police boycott would send a strong message.
The statement read, "We would like to ask this woman if she could bring British police with her whenever she decides to come to Nigeria since she has no faith in our police force. At the same time, we would like to ask the Nigeria Police to withdraw their services for 24 hours only the day Kemi Badenoch enters Nigeria in order to teach her a lesson. At least that will enable her to know what it looks like to have no police in town.
"Kemi Badenoch has been myopic and parochial in her assessment of our policemen in particular and the country in general. How can she judge thousands of policemen by the behaviour of only one of them? It is sheer stereotyping.
"Unfortunately for her, she has failed to see beyond her nose as the Nigerian policemen are known to have performed heroic deeds while her own British police are known to have soiled their reputation with shocking criminal behaviour."
"MURIC as a group had a unique opportunity to experience the gallantry, efficiency and professionalism of the Nigerian Police when the luxurious bus conveying one of our members was attacked near Abuja on the night of 18th December, 2016. The driver was shot and killed for refusing to stop and the occupants fled into the bush.
"It was only the telephone number of our member that we sent to the police and she was traced and rescued in the bush with other passengers within one hour."
MURIC said, "We urge the Nigeria Police to forge forward. They should not be deterred by negative comments of Kemi Badenoch and her minions, her bootlickers and court jesters. They are mere distractions. In spite of the existence of a few bad eggs in the force, Nigerian policemen have every reason to raise their heads high. Which sector of the Nigerian society is full of saints only? Who will cast the first stone (John 8:7)?
"To Kemi Badenoch we have this to say, 'It is clear you do not need the services of 'thieves' as you called our police force. But is it possible for you to bring your British Policemen with you whenever you contemplate coming to Nigeria? Anyway, the Tories are wise politicians and they know when to tender apologies even if you do not,'" Akintola added.