Journalist Felix Uka has called for an Award of Excellence for Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Habila Daniel, Officer-in-Charge of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS) in Ebonyi State, citing his investigative approach, professionalism and commitment to the fair handling of complaints.
Uka, in a write-up on the officer's conduct, said Daniel's approach to policing demonstrated the importance of patience, impartiality and respect for human dignity in law enforcement.
He said the officer's conduct deserved consideration for the award, adding that recognising exemplary service within the Nigeria Police Force could encourage professionalism and contribute to efforts to rebuild public confidence in the institution.
Uka noted that the police had faced public scrutiny over allegations of corruption, abuse of power and unprofessional conduct involving some personnel, but cautioned against using such experiences to judge the entire institution.
He argued that the conduct of officers committed to professionalism, accountability and the rule of law could help improve public perceptions of the police.
The journalist recalled an occasion during a courtesy visit by members of the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, when he was asked to deliver the vote of thanks.
According to him, he had observed during the visit that restoring public confidence in the police would require more than publicity campaigns, slogans and official assurances.
"My observation was not intended to diminish the efforts of responsible police officers. Rather, it reflected the reality that restoring public confidence in an institution requires more than public relations campaigns, slogans and official assurances," Uka said.
He maintained that public trust depended largely on visible evidence of professionalism, fairness, accountability and respect for citizens' rights.
Uka said his subsequent encounter with Daniel's approach to police investigations informed his decision to draw attention to the officer's conduct.
He described the SPACS officer's approach as one that allows complainants and suspects to express themselves while he examines the circumstances surrounding their cases.
According to Uka, Daniel demonstrates patience in listening to opposing parties and considers the issues presented before reaching conclusions.
He said such an approach was important in ensuring that complaints received adequate attention, allegations were properly investigated and individuals were treated with dignity during the investigative process.
The journalist stressed that effective policing required more than the exercise of authority, arguing that officers needed sound judgment, impartiality, emotional intelligence and professional restraint to discharge their duties effectively.
"A good police officer does not merely seek to establish that an investigation has been conducted; he seeks to ensure that the investigation is thorough, impartial and guided by evidence," he said.
Uka further noted that the ability to remain composed when confronted with conflicting accounts was an important attribute for officers handling investigations.
He said patience, discipline and the capacity to distinguish facts from assumptions were essential to ensuring that investigative decisions were based on evidence rather than personal sentiments or external influence.
The journalist also highlighted the importance of fairness and due process in the fight against cultism and related criminal activities, noting that effective law enforcement required both operational competence and respect for the rights of individuals.
As Officer-in-Charge of SPACS in Ebonyi State, Daniel occupies a position in which investigative diligence, vigilance and adherence to due process are particularly important, he said.
Uka argued that recognising the officer with an Award of Excellence could encourage other police personnel to appreciate that courtesy, fairness and respect for human dignity were essential components of professional competence.
He added that such recognition could also help demonstrate that the police institution had personnel committed to conscientious public service, despite the negative perceptions associated with the misconduct of some officers.
However, Uka acknowledged that awards for public service should be based on credible assessments of professional conduct, verifiable achievements and demonstrable contributions to society.
He said rebuilding public confidence in the police required sustained improvements in the daily interactions between officers and citizens rather than reliance on institutional campaigns alone.
"The transformation must begin with the daily conduct of individual officers in their interactions with citizens," he said.
Uka added that officers who listened patiently, investigated complaints diligently, treated people fairly and respected due process could contribute to strengthening public confidence in law enforcement.
He therefore called for Daniel's conduct to receive serious consideration for an Award of Excellence, describing professional discipline and respect for the rights of citizens as important attributes of effective policing.
The commendation was based on Uka's personal observations and account of his interactions with the officer. The write-up did not cite an independent assessment of Daniel's service record or indicate that a formal award nomination had been submitted.
