
The House of Representatives recently honoured DCP Abba Kyari for his courage and meritorious service. PHILIP NYAM reviews the event
It is always very rare for the parliament to honour an individual or organisation. In fact, the legislature is known for investigation and probing into activities of persons, particularly public officials and government ministries, departments and agencies.
It was therefore historic, when the House of Representatives decided to honour the head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari, last week. The young police officer from Yobe State is also said to be the most decorated police officer in the country.
The House had two days earlier through a motion resolved to honour Kyari for his outstanding performance and meritorious service to the nation. The honour was bestowed on him at the valedictory session marking the end of the first session of the 9th Assembly on June 11.
While conferring the honour on the police officer, the lawmakers urged him and his team to train more young police personnel in all the six geo-political zones of Nigeria so as to minimise criminal activities in all parts of the country.
Before the award was conferred on him by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, many lawmakers took their turns to applaud and shower encomiums on the super cop.
While presenting the award to Kyari, Speaker Gbajabiamila stated that there is no greater honour that a Nigerian can receive than from the House of Representatives as it is the true representatives of the people. He therefore said by extension; it was the Nigerian people that honoured DCP Kyari.
He commended the police officer and his team for the courage, determination, patriotism, exemplary crime-fighting and prevention records as well as general outstanding performance of the officers.
The speaker commended Kyari for his role in law enforcement and commitment to preserving lives and ensuring peaceful coexistence of the Nigerian people. He stated that the House in its wisdom deemed it worthy to honour Kyari and his team for their selfless service, where they put their lives on the line with commitment and extraordinary performance.
He added that the honour for Kyari and his team of officers was in recognition of their track record of excellence over the years. Gbajabiamila stated that despite the not-too-good image of the police force, there are exemplary individuals worthy of commendation.
The House leader, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa (APC, Kano), who read the citation of DCP Kyari, stated that the fearless police officer has about two decades of experience with the Nigeria Police Force, where he has served in several capacities and many states of the nation.
DCP Kyari, the House leader stated, has undertaken numerous combat and leadership training programmes worldwide, which has afforded him the requisite knowledge and expertise to carry out the numerous feats with his gallant team.
“Among various achievements that DCP Kyari and his team have attained, it is worthy of note that they were responsible for the arrest of the notorious kidnappers, Chukwudi Emenike (aka Evans) as well as Viper. Kyari and his team are also responsible for the apprehension of several Boko Haram terrorists, their leaders and their bomb makers.
“They are as well responsible for the apprehension of numerous notorious armed robbers and kidnappers who have terrorised several banks, communities and highways”, Ado-Doguwa stated.
He commended DCP Kyari for his commitment to humanity, humility and his staunch belief in oneness and equality between all men.
Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, Hon. Shehu Koko (APC, Kebbi), in his contribution, said he commends the doggedness of DCP Kyari and expressed his pride at being a former officer himself.
Koko stated with pride that while the world was protesting against the actions of police under the banner of “Black life matters,” DCP Kyari and his team are being honoured.
He therefore used the opportunity to ask for more funds for the operations of the Nigeria Police, stating that this would ensure better performance, which will directly translate to maintenance of peace and order.
Also reeling out the qualities inherent in Kyari, chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Usman Kumo (APC, Gombe) said the recognition accorded Kyari and his team by the House is capable of spurring the officers to do more in service of the nation.
Spokesperson for the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu (APC, Abia), stated that it is worth celebrating individuals like Kyari, who are good examples to the youth of Nigeria to do the right thing and excel in their endeavours. He also stated that although the House criticised the executive when they do wrong, they also celebrate them when they do the right thing.
He asked DCP Kyari to ensure he leaves his mark of leadership to those coming behind him, so that Nigerians may have several more Kyaris.
Hon. Sergius Ogun (PDP, Edo) commended DCP Kyari for his sacrifice for the nation and commitment to mankind. He urged him not to relent in on the job he is doing.
Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim (APC, Yobe), who is DCP Kyari’s representative in the House, expressed her pride in the gallant police officer.
The lawmaker, who is chairman of the House Committee on North-East Development Commission (NEDC) called on the Federal Government to bestow on him a national honour in recognition of his contribution to the peace and development of Nigeria.
Similarly, deputy chief whip, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (APC, Abia), praised DCP Kyari for his love for Nigeria and for being committed to hard work despite existing challenges. She stated that these traits of Kyari should encourage Nigerian youth to strive for excellence in their positive endeavours.
Onyejeocha commended the speaker for the foresight of honouring deserving Nigerians on the floor of the House as a means of encouraging others to strive for excellence. She wished Kyari, his family and his team God’s guidance.
Minority leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu (PDP, Delta) praised the visible family harmony in the life of DCP Kyari, which has translated into his professional success.
Spicing up the commendations, chief whip, Hon. Mohammed Monguno, commended the excellent nature of DCP Kyari, who has shone a bright and highly positive light on the image of the Nigeria Police Force and children of north eastern Nigeria.
He recollected DCP Kyari’s efforts in destabilising the Boko Haram insurgents, who were threatening to grind all socio-economic activities of Borno State to a halt.
Monguno also commended the speaker and in effect, the House of Representatives for recognising the strides of DCP Kyari and other well-deserving Nigerians.
Kyari, in his response, thanked the leadership and members of the House of Representatives for the honour bestowed on him and his team.
He stressed that the recognition will go a long way in boosting the team morale of the police. He added that the police is an instrument of ensuring peace and he that was, indeed, proud of the moment.
The super cop dedicated the award to all police officers, who died and paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
He also praised his team for their commitment and sacrifice in ensuring success during operations. He also thanked the House for boosting the morale of Nigerians to remain committed in their endeavours.
He used the opportunity to appeal to the House to visit the issue of better funding for the Nigeria Police, saying such will go a long way in boosting the morale and performance of police personnel.
“I will never forget this day in my life, this is a very good pace that the House is setting such that whoever does well would be honored same way. I would like to dedicate this award to my team, especially those that have lost their lives in the line of duty,” he stated.