My dad was a police officer, and even God knew how much I hated his job.
I hated that every evening, his junior officers who had been sent out on patrol came back with loads of rumbled cash. And one of my chores as an officer’s daughter was to sit down, straighten out the notes, arrange them neatly (I still arrange money in my wallet in that manner) and count.
These men had daily/weekly targets. My dad had his cut. His immediate boss had a cut. The immediate boss of his immediate boss did as well, on and on till it got to the top. Don’t ask me who’s at the top, please.
My dad had a habit of handing us our school fee in cash before taking it to the bank to pay. He made us count it and would go on to tell us that was the least he had to pay to give us the needed education. It was his way of telling us to face our studies. But because my dad knew how much I hated his job, he would say to me, “You can hate my job all you want but that’s what feeds you and pays your school fees”.
Therefore, whenever I had to straighten out and count the N20 notes brought by his men, I would swallow my hatred, sprinkle anointing oil on the money, and pray to God that all the curses made on it not stand.
It definitely wasn’t my favourite thing to do.
Back in uni, for three consecutive years, I was arrested and harassed by policemen on my birthday for being in the company of young people who, according to the police, force looked too fresh, had girls in their car (hence we must be prostitutes), or simply drove nice cars they were certain we couldn’t afford.
They would waste our time and still extort us of large sum of money after subjecting us to inhumane treatments. A female officer once pressed my boobs right there at the counter, in front of many people, saying, “No be this small breast dey make you do yanga? E no even reach my own. You think say you be fine girl abi? No be why you wan useless yourself dey follow yahoo boys?”
It took all of my self-restraint and home training not to scratch her ugly face with my fingers. I wanted to cry, but my friends said not to give her that satisfaction. I’d never been that embarrassed.
I thought about calling my dad, but God forbid that I let them know I had a police officer like them as a father.
I loved my dad, with all of my heart, but I hated his job. Oh, you have no idea how much. And for the life of me, I didn’t want to be identified as “Omo olopa”.
This #policebrutality didn’t start today and I doubt that the announcement to #EndSARS will change anything. A whole lot more has to be done, and oh my dearests, it’s such a long ride. The entire system needs an overhaul. But this is a start, and we cannot afford to relent.
Do you know how many Nigerian youths are locked up at the station for doing nothing; absolutely nothing, other than being a Nigerian youth? It is apparently a crime to be young in my dear country. You dare not be fashionable or own an electronic gadget, because the policemen will ask you how you can afford such when they can’t, on their meagre salary.
I am trying to be optimistic. I am hoping for a real change and for the #ReformTheNigerianPolice because that is the only way we can #EndPoliceBrutalityInNigeria.
But dear Nigerians, I urge you, please don’t get carried away by any announcement made. Until we see the change we desire, let’s not back down or give up. #AlutaContinua 💪
… reminds me of a scenario I once had.
*Hugs you*
Our father’s sins aren’t ours.
PS, this weyrey wey dey disguise, we go commot him mask. This hopefully is just the beginning.
We really must make this the beginning.
Thank you😊
Absolutely glad to be the first person to read this and comment.
I’m also thrilled that you share exactly the same thoughts with me.
Although we have similarly different growing up experience with our dad.
Mine is a retired Customs Officer and I know all the mockery, jest and taunt he received while in service because he refused to take bribe in order to grant illegal favours.
This is did because his faith wouldn’t let him do that. He had many colleagues who did and were able to build mansions and buy a variety of things with the money they got but Dad was content with his meagre salary for which I am super proud of him.
Years ago when I tell people my dad is a custom officer they expect to see millions dropping from me but got disappointed.
Well, I am proud my dad gave me and still gives me the best.
As for the police brutality, we will not stop clamouring for our rights until we’re heard.
#EndSARS# is the message from now till we get what we deserve.
Thank you for this dear Gelax!
I don’t know your dad, yet I’m so proud of him👏. He did good.
Well, the truth had to be told no matter how distasteful it is.
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Good piece.. may God help us in this country..
Amen, amen.
Thank you. ♥️✨
The brutality, oppression and corruption in government and the force are systemic, almost like an institutionalisation. This explains why a lot who are in the system are able to rationalise these anomalies and ills because they have been institutionalised.
We need a total reform for the police to work and work well.
Thanks for sharing this, Gelax. I believe and I am optimistic the desired change is almost here.
Let’s all keep hope alive and make our voices louder. #VictoriaAscerta 💪
Heartfelt. Honest. And a brave attempt as well! You’re fast becoming my favorite blogger, Gelax🙌💯
I was going to be my cocky self and say, “Before, do you have a choice? 😉”, but nah, it’s Monday, I’ll like to be humble.
Oh wait, I just said it! 🤭
Lol… Thanks, T. D. ♥️✨
I admire your courage of putting this down in writing especially at this critical moment Nigerians are clamouring for #EndSARS and police brutality. weldone !
Thank you! ♥️✨
This was both funny and educational.
This post is timely for the season we’re in. Thank you for sharing.
To end SARS and police brutality, we’ll have to go a long way. Thankful that we’re making that change now!
Thankfully, we are! I’ve never been more proud of the Nigerian Youths.
Thank you! ♥️✨
Like the roots of an ancient tree, corruption is entrenched in our system today.
I can’t wait to sell this country and move to Canada with the money to start a new life.
Ah! 😲 Please don’t sell the country, abeg. Consider the rest of us still nursing hope at least. 😄
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Still praying For Nigeria
Thank you so much 🤗
We shall overcome.