A Chinese national featured in a widely circulated video
showing some officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) lining up to receive
N5,000 cash has clarified the reasons behind the controversial action.
In a video seen on Thursday, a Chinese man who identified
himself as the leader of the delegation and who was also seen at the start of
the video handing out the cash said the handouts were a token of appreciation
to the police.
He said no money was offered or demanded inappropriately,
noting that the money was given in “good faith, appreciating their
professionalism”.
“What you see in the video was a friendly and open
interaction — nothing was done in secret and nothing inappropriate happened,”
he added.
“It’s a common
Chinese tradition, where we come from, to show appreciation or kindness to
people who are doing their jobs well — especially when they’ve been helpful or
respectful. That was all what it was: a kind gesture, not a payoff or alleged
bribe.
“We also want to say this very sincerely — we are sorry
about how this played out. Despite this experience, we remain committed to
Nigeria.”
Reactions trailed the video since it was posted on social
media, with many Nigerians describing the incident as shameful.
Commenting on the incident, Omoyele Sowore, presidential
candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, said the
officers were reduced to nothing due to their “greed and indiscipline”.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had also condemned the
conduct of its officers and promised sanctions.
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