RCCG honours for Texas Police … a leaf to borrow

RECENTLY, in the United States of America, an event took place in Houston, Texas, which triggered thoughts as to whether such a laudable programme could not be replicated here in Nigeria.

It was the period when Americans were preparing for their yearly thanksgiving and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Texas Zone 9, thought it was also a suitable time to thank and honour 40 men and women of the Houston Police.

At an event, appropriately tagged: “Heroes of the City,” the RCCG, Dominion Chapel – Stafford Texas, in collaboration with Rehoboth Foundation, rolled out the red carpet for policemen and policewomen who had been identified as having demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the transformation of the communities.

Under the Police And Clergy Team (PACT) programme, the police rely on the church to provide spiritual support as may be required, especially as with cases involving tragedy in the community or family.

This helps the police to provide better service to the community in safeguarding lives and property and avails the officers, men and women of the force, a better understanding of the needs of the community outside the responsibility of the police.

The evening started with a simple but rather impressive dinner of tastefully prepared Nigerian dishes, which saw everyone, including all the recipients, African in origin or not, savouring the dishes with apparent contentment.
Initial apprehensions as to whether they would be able to appreciate the African dishes were quickly dispelled, as they tucked into them with relish.

The members of the Texas Police Force, who have demonstrated high professional qualities in dealing with victims of disaster, unusual leadership in juvenile restitution, among others, together with their families, and members of the congregation of the RCCG Dominion Chapel Sanctuary, moved into the chapel for a short service, and exhortation by Pastor Bayo Fadugba, the sanctuary pastor.  

The atmosphere at the event was relaxed, as members of the Texas Police Force interacted freely with members of the church, which prompted one to wonder if they were regular members of the church. Of course, the answer was ‘No’.   

After Pastor Fadugba’s welcome remarks, the Assistant Police Chief, G.T. Buenik, spoke about the PACT programme and how it has helped the police and the church to come together to bring about positive changes in the community.  
On behalf of all the recipients, he expressed gratitude to the church for acknowledging their efforts.   
What was evident throughout the event was the level of trust between the church and the Police.  

The ease with which the men and women of the force mingled with members of the church was exceptional in a world where Police are often viewed with suspicion.  
Some of the recipients spoke with deep gratitude, about what the award meant to them.
Each recipient was presented with a beautifully crafted trophy and exquisitely tailored African shirts.

This finally, brings up those questions gnawing in the minds of anyone who wishes that the relationship between Nigerians and their Police could be better than what it is at present.  

One such question is: Can the PACT be replicated in Nigeria in such a way that the church works with the Police to enhance their performance in times of tragedy within the community or family, where spiritual counselling will help to alleviate the pains, a role the police are not cut out for?

Can state governments and or corporate bodies institute award that will recognise men and women of the police force who have shown exceptional commitment to their work, making positive impact in their communities, or deemed to have demonstrated an exceptionally high level of professionalism?

Can the Police Service Commission provide some form of recognition to this award such that it will be taken into consideration when it is time for promotion?
It could attach certain long-term privileges to it, such that it becomes a strong motivation for good performance.
Right answers to these, could ensure the police Nigerians have prayed for.

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Posted by admin on Jan 20 2011. Filed under General Politics, Headlines. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry