POLICE Inspector-General Mohammed Abubakar and seven other police officers who investigated the murder of Cynthia Osokogu have received the National Orientation Agency’s Civic Responsibility Award for their professionalism and efficiency.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary of the Agency, Mr Paul Odenyi in Abuja on Friday said that the Director General of the Agency Mr Mike Omeri made the presentation of the award to the officers at the Louis Edet House, Abuja.
The award comes with a N30,000 cash, along with the promotion of 3 of the 7 officers.
Omeri described the awardees as true examples of patriotic Nigerians, worthy of emulation, particularly by their show of tact and commitment in the investigation and the way they speedily unravelled the murder case.
He further noted that the officers had restored the faith of Nigerians in the efficiency of the Nigeria Police in protecting lives and property.
Omeri said that their dedication to duty had also brought some relief to the immediate family of the victim; hence the need to recognize their example.
The Director General commended President Goodluck Jonathan for honoring the call of the NOA to reform the nation’s award system through the recent directive to recall national honors erroneously conferred on persons of questionable character.
In his remarks, Abubakar described the gesture as the beginning of a new level of partnership between the Nigeria Police and the NOA.
He commended the Agency for being the first to recognise the positive change in the Force,assuring the public of continued dedication of police officers in the discharge of their duties.
Abubakar further described the award as a wake-up call to greater service by the Force,urging the public to support the police at all times.
The officers who received the award alongside the IGP included Damian Okoro, Gregory Imoh, Mariam Ogunmolasuyi, and Agbaje Yakubu.
Others were Edo Joseph, Patience Biokoro, and Frank Okorobon.