August 7, 2017.

An Open Letter To The Commissioner Of Police Bayelsa State Command

A Case Of Incessant Intimidation, Harassment, oppression and Violation Of The Fundamental Human Rights Of Bayelsans By Police Men Under Your Command.
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Mr Commissioner, I am compelled to write this open letter to you, concerning the worrisome situation of things in the streets and corners of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

I am writing on behalf of the numerous voiceless residents in Bayelsa State, who are unwilling to express their displeasure about the continuous abuse of power and the unlawful arrests of members of the public in our streets [especially at night], perhaps for fear of possible arrest, detention and intimidation.

The Current Situation In Bayelsa State.
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It is most unfortunate to know that officers of the Nigeria Police under your command now pick up law abiding members of the public (notably young men and women) just for the purpose of extorting money from them. This is a serious violation of their fundamental Human Rights.

It is equally sad to know that people can no longer move freely to carry out their daily business either in the day or at night. This is not because our streets are unsafe due to criminal attacks but because of the appalling and uncautionable acts of the Policemen under your command.

Mr Commissioner, I make bold to inform you that Bayelsans are afraid of being killed by the Police, they are afraid of being humiliated and intimidated, they are afraid of being forced into police patrol vans, and they are afraid of being detained without justifiable reasons.

Sir, the aggravated attacks on residents in Yenagoa by men under your command have placed the residents in a state of "Astynomiaphobia." It is unfortunate that those who are meant to protect the society are now feared by the society. What a situation irony.

While it remains doleful that our country is being driven into oblivion by the actions and inactions of our leaders, it is equally appalling that some police men have contributed to this problem further capsizing the ship of the Nigeria State. These are poignant issues that must be addressed swiftly.

It is clearly captioned as part of the motto of the Nigeria Police Force that "Police is your friend" but the question is how true is that? A young man once said and in his exact words he said; "Police is our friend but na dem we fear pass." What a disconnection. It is rather disturbing and as a concerned Bayelsan and Nigerian, I have written this letter to you, and I hope it is received in good fate and addressed swiftly.

Please permit me Sir to briefly refer you to Section 4 of the Police ACT which is the Law establishing the Police Force and creating its general duties and obligation. In summary, it provided that:
1) The police shall be employed for the prevention and detection of crime.
2) The apprehension of offenders.
3) The preservation of law and order.
4) The protection of life and properties and due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged, and shall perform such military duties within or outside Nigeria as may be required of them by, or under the authority of this or any other ACT.

As stated above, the second duty of the Police above is: “For the apprehension of offenders.'' With the greatest humility, it is the apprehension of offenders and not the apprehension of innocent and law abiding citizens walking on the streets either in the day or at night or sitting outside their homes.

It is equally pertinent to note that by the provisions of chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and by extension to the provisions of the African charter of Human and people's Rights, The human rights of Nigerians are fundamental, guaranteed and enforceable, as such, nobody is permitted to infringe on them........

David Apiri.

I can promise you...

This letter will yield nothing, it's just like reporting a thief to an armed robber ...

Nice one Dave