- A politician was arrested on Thursday night in Port Harcourt by officers of the Nigerian Police Force on allegations of elections-related malpractices.

- They found with him almost $500,000 and a list of how the money was to be allegedly distributed.

While the investigations are ongoing, all fingers probably point to vote buying. The Naira is scarce; so, they have turned to the USD.

But my focus is actually on the police. In a nation where a typical policeman can be easily bribed with something as little as N1K to N10K, I was really and truly impressed that the policemen who apprehended the politician didn't see an opportunity to make some quick cash. They didn't think of taking $100K (or even the entire cash) and just let him go. That would have been a whopping N75mln ( = $100K)! Truth be told, many policemen will not see that kind of money in their lifetimes. Yet, they did the right thing by letting the law take its full course. Let's celebrate the Nigerian Police Force on occasions like this when they make us proud.

The Inspector General of Police (and even the President) should seize moments like this to celebrate these exceptional individuals who make integrity their badge of honor. Furthermore, they should give the officers involved 20% (or a good %) of that money as a way to not only send a clear message that integrity and the right behaviours will be rewarded, but also to INCENTIVIZE THE SECURITY OFFICIALS AS WELL AS INEC OFFICIALS NOT TO COMPROMISE THIS ELECTIONS SEASON. This will go a long way in gradually erasing from our cultural DNA this popular line: "Na who honesty epp?" ( Who does honesty benefit?).

Source of news: Vanguard.