By Adewole Kehinde
Distinguished is an adjective that describes something or someone as admirable, respected, or outstanding in some way.
It often refers to individuals who have achieved great success, excellence, or recognition in their field.
In general terms, being distinguished implies having qualities that set someone or something apart from others in a positive and noteworthy manner.
However, “Distinguished” Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi on Thursday, January 16, at the 2025 budget defence of the Nigeria Police Force, displayed undignified behaviour and actions that lack dignity and respect.
“Distinguished” Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who came late hours after the presentation had commenced, displayed a lack of decorum, propriety, and self-respect in his conduct.
A so-called “Distinguished” senator who should have quietly concentrated on the presentation of the Inspector General of Police since he came in late decided to show the whole world his undignified manner. This disrespectful, crude, and disgraceful way diminishes his sense of self-worth.
“Distinguished” Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi’s actions, to me, are considered beneath his status as a Senator representing the good people of Ebonyi North of Ebonyi State.
“Distinguished” Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi ought to have been suspended for acting in such a manner. for acting in an undignified, impolite, uncivilised, or shameful manner that undermines his feeling of value.
I was impressed by the calmness and maturity displayed by IGP Kayode Egbetokun during the rascality displayed by “Distinguished” Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi.
Egbetokun proved to the “Distinguished” Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi that he is a PhD holder of Peace and Security Studies.
Despite the committee chairman’s attempt to allow the Inspector General of Police to continue, it met strong resistance, leading to a walkout by the “Distinguished” Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi.
The senator’s rascality disappointed many lawmakers, particularly members of the House of Representatives who jeered at him as he angrily walked out of the session.
A friend called me to ask whether “Distinguished” Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi submitted names for recruitment into the Nigeria police and it was turned down or his company was denied a contract by the Nigeria police to have behaved in such a manner.
I laughed so loud on the phone, but who knows if my friend’s questions are true!
I give kudos to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for clarifying the drama.
Egbetokun explained that two versions of the budget documents were provided to the committee members: a comprehensive copy and an abridged version. While both contained the same figures and facts, the abridged version used simplified language to facilitate understanding.
At the start of the session, the committee members unanimously agreed with a motion that the IGP should present the abridged version since they all had access to both documents.
However, “Distinguished” Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North), who arrived late, began referencing the comprehensive version while the IGP presented the abridged version.
Despite explanations from other committee members about the earlier agreement and the consistency between both versions, the senator refused to listen and abruptly left the session.
The IGP described the incident as unnecessary drama that could have been avoided had the senator been receptive to the clarifications provided.
He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force did not submit two different 2025 budgetary proposal documents to the joint committees at the National Assembly, contrary to the reports circulating in the news and media outlets.
A patriotic and distinguished senator will not walk out of budget defence for the nation’s security.
I want to use this medium to call on IGP Kayode Egbetokun and his management team to continue their excellent work of professionalising the Nigeria Police with training and continuous retraining programmes.
The National Assembly must give their full support to the Nigeria police by approving adequate budget allocation to the force to fight crimes and criminality and ensure the maintenance of law and order vis-à-vis peaceful coexistence in the society.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com. @kennyadewole
