A video recently went viral showing Afrobeat rising star, Seun Kuti, assaulting a policeman. The incident is not only condemnable but also a violation of one of the most noble institutions of democracy. Legally speaking, it constitutes grave assault and a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution. Culturally, it is unacceptable for a junior to correct and upbraid an elder, let alone a law enforcement officer on lawful duty.
The Ransome-Kuti family, to which Seun belongs, has a place in the rich history of Nigeria. The family represented the best of nobility, excellence, patriotism, and industry, which is why Nigerians hold them so dearly in their hearts. There is no place in that family for the kind of malady Seun displayed. From all indications, Seun is well read, well travelled, and should know the value placed upon institutions and their personnel. He cannot claim not to know about civility and respect.
Seun had portrayed himself as an activist, an advocate of good governance, and a model for the young generation. But what message is he preaching now? What was the basis of the #EndSARS struggle for the eradication of all forms of human rights abuses? Seun should be in the same age bracket as Mark Zuckerberg, who is influencing the world positively. No form of gangsterism should be perpetrated or tolerated under the guise of youthful exuberance.
The defence of Seun for this uncultured display of arrogance is that the policeman attempted to kill him and his family. He claimed that he has the video of the attempt and that the policeman has acknowledged his error and had even apologized to him in order to evade prosecution. The video, however, showed Seun launching an unprovoked verbal assault on a calm and respectful policeman. It showed an unrestrained young man castigating, threatening, and humiliating an officer of the Federal Republic in the name of defending himself.
The incident brings into focus the value and virtue of stardom, which dictate humility, gentleness, moderation, and respect for people and institutions. The rise to stardom should not and cannot be the justification for unbridled brigandage and infantile gangsterism.
If we condemn police brutality, we must also dissociate ourselves from civilian rascality or blatant criminality. It is commendable that Seun has surrendered himself to the police, and the nation eagerly awaits the outcome of the investigation of the police on this matter while commending the maturity of the policeman involved in this unfortunate incident.
Beyond Seun, Burna Boy, and Portable, this event has also brought into limelight the need for the improvement of the welfare and working conditions of police officers nationwide to avoid scenarios whereby they become vulnerable victims of servitude, abuse, and debasement. Nigeria must prioritize the welfare of its police officers, who are daily sacrificing their lives to keep us safe.
Life without Christ is a crisis.
Adegboruwa is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
