By OBSERVERS TIMES
A video showing a uniformed Nigerian police officer kneeling to tie the shoelaces of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media. The footage, which went viral on Monday, depicts Ganduje standing while the unidentified officer attends to his footwear, prompting widespread condemnation and raising questions about the role and respect afforded to members of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).
Online reactions have been swift and largely negative. Many Nigerians expressed dismay at the sight of a uniformed officer performing what they deemed a menial task for a prominent political figure. One commenter, @og_cemoni, questioned the officer’s professionalism, stating, “There is a whole lot wrong with it for a policeman in uniform to be doing that. Does Ganduje not have personal aides?” This sentiment was echoed by @kelvin_kertz, who lamented the perceived subservience of the police force to the political elite, suggesting that their duties are being reduced to those of “errand boys.”
However, some voices offered a different perspective. @ayenielijahofficial speculated that Ganduje might have played a significant role in the officer’s life, suggesting a personal debt of gratitude that might explain the gesture. This viewpoint hints at the complex web of relationships and patronage that can exist within Nigerian society.
Despite this, the dominant narrative online remains one of disapproval. Users like @franknero400 argued that the incident exemplifies how the current political climate has diminished respect for security personnel, reducing them to “house boys.” Similarly, @laystan characterized the scene as a reflection of a Nigeria where “security forces are slave to the elite.”
This incident comes on the heels of another embarrassing video that surfaced weeks prior, showing uniformed police officers allegedly receiving cash gifts from a Chinese national. That footage drew similar public outcry, with many labeling it as disgraceful and damaging to the reputation of the police force. Following the widespread circulation of that video, the Force Headquarters confirmed the identification of the officers involved and promised disciplinary action.
The latest video involving Chairman Ganduje has further fueled public concern about the integrity and the perceived misuse of police officers for personal errands or displays of deference towards powerful individuals. It underscores a recurring narrative of the police force being potentially compromised or exploited, raising serious questions about professionalism, ethics, and the equitable application of authority within the country. The incident is likely to add further pressure on the police authorities to address the underlying issues that contribute to such incidents and to reassure the public of their commitment to upholding the law with impartiality and dignity.
