By Admin
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, has called on members of the public to respect lawful police authority while insisting that police officers must also remain accountable for their actions.
Akata made the call in a statement titled “Protect the People Behind the Badge: Respect the Rule of Law,” where he condemned the assault, obstruction and violent resistance of police officers while carrying out their duties.
He said police officers routinely leave their homes to respond to emergencies, prevent crime, protect lives and property, maintain public order and enforce the law, adding that attacks against officers have implications beyond the individuals involved.
“A society cannot demand effective policing while simultaneously normalising violence against the people entrusted with maintaining law and order,” he said.
According to the police spokesperson, when an officer is attacked in the course of lawful duty, the incident affects not only the officer but also the authority of state institutions and their capacity to protect the public.
Akata, however, stressed that respect for the police should not be interpreted as granting officers immunity from accountability.
He noted that citizens who believe they have been subjected to unlawful police action, abuse of power or violations of their rights should seek redress through established legal and institutional channels, including the National Human Rights Commission.
“The same principle should apply to everyone: no citizen is above the law, and no police officer is above the law,” he stated.
The PPRO urged members of the public to avoid resorting to violence when they disagree with police actions, advising them instead to report alleged misconduct and pursue appropriate legal remedies.
“If an officer misconducts himself, report him. If an arrest is believed to be unlawful, seek legal redress. If a complaint is genuine, pursue it through the appropriate channel. But do not turn an allegation into an excuse for violence,” Akata said.
He also reminded police officers of their responsibility to exercise their powers professionally and within the confines of the law.
According to him, every interaction between the police and members of the public can either strengthen or undermine confidence in the institution.
“The uniform demands discipline. The badge demands responsibility. Police authority must always be exercised within the law,” he said.
Akata further called for a balanced approach to policing, warning against both the unconditional acceptance of police actions and the use of frustration with the police as justification for attacking officers.
He said effective policing and respect for human rights should not be viewed as competing objectives, noting that public cooperation and confidence are essential to the ability of the police to perform their duties.
The police spokesperson concluded that the protection of police officers and the protection of citizens should be seen as complementary objectives in a society governed by law.
“The answer is not fear. It is not confrontation. It is not impunity. It is law, accountability, professionalism and mutual respect,” he said.