Show of Shame

As if one is watching the what seems like an home video, some officers of the Nigerian police force displayed the height of indecency on Friday, July 30, 2010 at the Ilepo-Oja area of Lagos State.

Trapped in an artificial traffic caused by these officers through an illegal check point, commercial bus drivers and conductors were targets of this disgraceful act.  To think they chased after moving buses especially those whose drivers attempt to avoid the compulsory check was enough to make one burst out in laughter. As if that were not enough, those targeted were trucks carrying goods especially food items.

The worst part of the show of shame was at a point where a female officer "arrested" a commercial bus. In an attempt to stop the driver by force, she opened the from door (even when there was a passenger obviously occupying the front seat) She insisted that the passenger should come down to enable her secure a sit on the bus. As a Nigerian who knows his right, the passenger bluntly refused to alight from the bus (which has now come to a halt)

Did you see the hand on the police officer's butts? That was the hand of one of her colleague who was trying very hard to "push her into the bus and get off the road" to harass more bus drivers.

Eko for show!!!

Egunje spoil Lagos...

As early as 6.15am that lovely morning a police officer was already harassing an helpless public bus driver.  To think it was a Monday morning when everyone was trying to start a new week on a clean plate without hassles.

While I moved close to the bus stop, I over heard the conversation that ensued between the officer and the bus driver.

Police Officer:  Make I see your vehicle particulars?
Bus Driver:  Na im be this.
Police Officer:  (After what seem to the bus driver like ages) Ok, why your bus no come get fire extinguisher?
Bus Driver: (now looking worried)  Officer, the thing finish not too long ago and I never buy another one.
Police Officer:  Then we must go to the station and report this case. (jumping into the front seat of the bus)

In a twinkle of an eye, the Police Officer was in the bus.  The driver who did not have much of a choice had to follow her to the drivers side.  What happened thereafter marveled me as they were both in the bus for few minutes speaking in low tones.  All of a sudden...the officer said, make sure you don't do that again after which there was a "very warm handshake" with the bus driver.

She alighted and walked happily to pick on the next helpless victim....

Egunje spoil Lagos...