The Police Service Commission (PSC), on Sunday, condemned the assault on an officer in uniform, and on official duty in Lagos, by Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti.
Its Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said through a statement that Commission has commended the Inspector General of Police, Baba Usman Ahmed, for his prompt response in ordering the arrest and prosecution of Seun Kuti.
The PSC argued that Kuti, by his action, has obviously diminished the sanctity of the symbol of authority of the Nigerian nation.
The Commission demanded that the culprit be arrested and arraigned immediately and that the Inspector General must ensure that the matter is followed to its logical conclusion, to restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police.
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, said that the Police are the lead agency in internal security and, in its ability to maintain law and order, and also protect lives and properties.
The former Inspector General of Police said no matter the offence the police officer committed, nobody, including Seun Kuti, has the right to assault a policeman in uniform and on official duty.
Arase frowned at the effrontery of Seun to slap the police officer, insisting that Nigeria is not a Hobbesian State “where might is right”.
“We must as a civilized people explore established channels of complaints against alleged infractions by law enforcement officials rather than this uncouth behavior in assaulting the symbol of authority in our country.
“We look forward to the prompt prosecution of Seun to act as a deterrent to others of his ilk,” Arase said.
He further commended the police officer for refusing to be provoked by the action of his aggressor, which he argued would have been more fatal.
The PSC Chairman said it is unfortunate that at a time the management of the Nigeria Police Force is dealing decisively with officers who harass, intimidate or assault civilians on our roads and work places, the same police officers have become victims of the actions of some uncultured elite.
He said the Police should use the present incident to set an example that this would never be tolerated in Nigeria, a country governed by laws, rules and regulations.
The Chairman said the groundswell of public opinion against the conduct of the abuser is indicative of the love and respect Nigerians have for the law enforcement officers.
He said this underscores the need for all police officers to continually respect the right of the populace and be professional in all their conduct.