Date Published: 05/05/09

HAZ IWENDI: He was every inch an intelligent, compassionate and honest cop (A Tribute)

BY TEMPLE CHIMA UBOCHI

Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued. (Socrates)

Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues. (Confucius)

There will be no more death, no more pain. ( Revelation 21:3-5 )

The end of life is to be like God, and the soul following God will be like Him. (Socrates)

Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. ( Psalm 112:5-7)

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1-3)
But already it is time to depart, for me to die, for you to go on living; which of us takes the better course, is concealed from anyone except God. (Socrates)

With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity. (Keshavan Nair)

 I long to accomplish a great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. (Helen Keller)

Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of - for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear. (Socrates)

It’s now a year since the passing away of Commissioner of Police Haz Iwendi. He died on Monday May 5, 2008. Haz Iwendi went into coma and later passed away before the police authorities could fly him to Germany for further treatment. CP Hyacinth A. Iwendi was 53 years old. Until his death, he was the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Police Command. He was a three time Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force and pioneered the popular Radio programme – “Police Diary”. Apart from the office of the Nigeria Police Force PRO, he served in various capacities, including as the Area Commander of Oyo State, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Jigawa and Ogun States.

Haz Iwendi was admired by both junior and senior officers, including the Nigerian media. Haz, as he was popularly called, enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on 17th July, 1980, as Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. He obtained B.A (Hons) History at UNN with Second Class Upper and a Masters Degree from ( Exeter) UK. He hailed from Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South LGA of Delta State. He’s survived by an aged mother, brothers, sisters, a wife and children.

Late Police commissioner Haz Iwendi

It is not how long, but, how well that a person lived that matters. What good is old age, if it adds nothing better to the society? Afterall, Methuselah, despite all his age, hadn’t much to his name (to the best of my knowledge) than those who lived only for about one-tenth of his age.

Why we are still sad about the passing away of Haz Iwendi is because he went away too soon before achieving the goals he‘d set for himself – the goal of making the Nigeria Police Force a citizens-oriented outfit (making the Nigeria Police Force better in its relationship with the populace and a force capable of defending and serving the public’s interests well).

Haz might‘ve gone away as an unfulfilled man; he must‘ve been disappointed that death didn´t give him the time to effect the changes he wanted in the police force. He must be sad now (wherever he is) that the police force has still, in its rank and file, many lunatics and deranged personnel who are trigger-happy as to kill those they are supposed to protect; Haz must be frowning now (wherever he may be) that some policemen are still mounting illegal road blocks and that a police man recently shot a three years old baby (Kaosarat Saliu) dead – while the colleagues rough handled Kaosarat Saliu´s parents for demanding justice. Haz would‘ve wished to continue living to make the men and women of the Nigeria Police Force everything other than those aiding and abetting crime, right from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to the last “recruit”. Haz must be sad now that the image of the police force is worse off than he had left it, thanks to the men and women at the helm. Haz must be watching with disillusionment from wherever he is now, how the police force he left behind is getting more rag-tag every passing day.

I wrote in one of my articles that with the exception of Mr. Alozie Ogugbuaja, no other man tried to launder the stenchy image of the Nigeria Police like Mr. Iwendi and as a Commissioner of Police for Kaduna State, he was above board. The CDHR also said that it was Iwendi, who was once saddled with the onerous job of sprucing the disgusting image of the Nigeria Police Force.

Haz Iwendi maintained a cordial relationship with the media and was known to have contributed significantly in reshaping the battered image of the Nigeria Police. He vigorously defended the integrity of the Nigeria Police as police public relations officer.

In one of his interviews while defending the charge that Nigeria Police is the most corrupt institution in Nigeria, he said that "there's no organisation that cleanses itself like the Nigeria police force"  He once told BBC that the surveys depicting the Police as the most corrupt institution was manipulated. He stated then that the surveys did not reflect the present reality on the ground, as there were lots of changes going on, saying further that the police were actively exposing those who were corrupt within the service, unlike other government agencies.  Haz Iwendi said then: “ Nigeria’s police has the best quality mechanism in this country."

Haz Iwendi was heading for the police’s pinnacle position before death struck. If he had lived longer, he would‘ve had the opportunity to lead the police and a much greater chance to cleanse the outfit thoroughly. Unfortunately, the police force he was talking about in the passage above, is now worse off.

Haz set the bar high with his service to the force and that level will be the benchmark with which his successors will be judged. His shoes will remain too bogus for those who have taken or will take his place as the police spokesperson or as Kaduna State’s commissioner of police. The officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force and indeed Nigerians will continue to miss his comradeship and service.

While almost all the senior police officers were busy accumulating wealth through illicit means, Haz was busy rendering quality service to the police and the country; while his colleagues (senior officers) were busy looking for what that will go into their pockets, Haz was more concerned with impacting knowledge to the lower ranks. When almost all the senior police officers saw and still see the police force as an avenue to get rich quickly, Haz saw it as a means to give his all to his fellow cops and citizens.

Haz was a very simple and hardworking man. Can anybody believe that a man of his level had only one house in the village and refused to involve his family in any contract or business in police things? He taught his family to be contented and he defended honesty. He worked so hard and must have died because of too much stress from the job. He loved his job.  He worked as late as 12 midnight and had to leave the house daily as early as possible, sometimes, as early as 3am.

While in the midst of the rot called Nigeria Police Force, Haz shunned all the trappings of office his fellow senior officers still struggle for, Haz also shunned all pretentious and ostentious living style. He was very down-to-earth and magnanimous with his time and energy which he invested in serving the force and fellow Nigerian citizens.

Haz as the Kaduna State Police Commissioner single handedly trained more than 700 policemen in computer literacy with resources other commissioners of police would‘ve used for themselves. He told the policemen/women how they should remember him in many years to come by his attitude. I was reliably informed that many of the agendas the Inspector Generals of Police, right from Tafa Balogun to Mike Okiro, implemented were Haz´s ideas. Haz was a genius at speech writing. I gathered from a reliable source also that even as Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Haz was still writing speeches and statements for the IGP, but still at that, he was never pompous about that. 

Haz´s youngest brother who is now a PhD Engineering Student at University of Aberdeen, Scotland, told me how Haz brought some of his MoPol men to Ogwashi-Uku when he was (2ic) Deputy Squadron Commander of the Mobile Police Unit about 25 years ago, and had to go looking for food for his 60 men personally, taking him (his little brother) along. Instead of Haz sending his men to go for the food, he went for it himself (how many second in commands do you think can stoop so low?).  A kind of leadership by example! No wonder people loved serving under him. He believed that with proper visionary leadership in the police force, that Nigerian Police can be the best in the world.

 Mike Okiro described the late Haz Iwendi as one of his most hardworking and reliable officers. During his burial on June 14, 2008, he was highly eulogized. Tears flowed freely in Ogwashi-Uku that fateful day. The Inspector General of Police (IG), Mike Okiro described Haz as a "goldfish, which had no place to hide. Saying that he was often given special assignments by the authorities of the Nigeria Police! Okiro, described Iwendi further as an outstanding and seasoned police officer in many respect stating that he was amiable, articulate, soft-spoken, and well organised in whatever assignment he had undertaken. In Okiro´s words: "The dexterity with which Haz handled matters and assignments endeared him to his superiors and inferiors alike. In the office, he was a teacher of a sort as he would not do any novel thing as far as police work is concerned without involving his subordinates to participate, and gain one insight or the other. Very friendly and innovative, he endeared himself to the Nigerian press as they see him then as a real friend. Of course, you dare not speak ill of the press before him. He would cajole, gesticulate, and all what not, to convince you to change such view of the press. He was a pressman to the core. He also endeared himself to the generality of Nigerians when he pioneered the 'Police Diary', an interactive radio programme aired weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays through which Nigerians could phone in and lay bare their problems as it related to the Police. Such on-line complaints received immediate attention".

The Commissioner of Police in charge of Special Fraud Unit, Mr. Olayinka Balogun also described Haz as a man to beat when it comes to building of sound relationship with people of all classes and tribes. Balogun called Haz a bridge-builder, one in a million and a rare gem.

AIG Okoronkwo in her tribute during the burial ceremony, also described Haz as an officer who possessed outstanding qualities, brilliance, oratory skills and administrative abilities. For her: "Death had dealt us a lasting blow but death, be not proud, for thou shall die. I commiserate with the wife, children, brothers, sisters and other dependants of our late brother. Take solace in the fact that your husband, father, and brother was a gentle officer, who was never found wanting in any way. He died courageously in the course of his duty”.

Haz´s death brought at least one positive development to the police force. Following his death, the police authority introduced compulsory medical check up for all officers from Assistant Commissioner of Police and above. Since his death, all ACPs, Deputy Commissioners (DCs) Commissioners of Police (CPs), Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) must go for annual medical check up abroad to certify their health status. Although the force will not pay for it (the check up), but it is compulsory. This writer frowns at the idea of medical check-up abroad, it’s not supposed to be that way; it can be conducted there in Nigeria, if the ruling class endeavours to put the health sector in order.

Haz has died, but, he lives on in our heart and in the hearts of those he touched with his compassion and magnanimity. Haz epitomized the saying that “good name is worth more than the gold” with his life. Haz offered the whole realm of his life in serving the police force and Nigeria and still for him, that was an offering too small, for him, he never gave enough. For Haz Iwendi, love and service are so amazing, so divine and these demanded his soul, his life and his all which he gave selflessly.

Haz fought the good fight with all his might with Christ/God as his strength and courage, Haz laid down his life serving others and that gesture is now his crown for eternity. No laurel can be greater than that. He emulated Christ in his own little way.

To Nigeria: Haz hailed and honoured, with his selfless service.

To his colleagues: Haz motivated and showed what strength and courage are all about, with his selfless service.

To the lower ranks of the police: Haz taught how the work is supposed to be done.

To his family: Haz made proud with the way he served.

To those he came in contact with: Haz showed love and humility.

To God: Haz praised and worshipped, with the service he rendered to mankind.

In life, when one finds him/herself in authority position, there are always two choices to make: Either to serve the interest of the people well or to serve one’s own interest well. Haz Iwendi chose the former and for that, Nigeria will always be grateful and will always remember him. Haz will never die in the heart of those he touched with his service and magnanimity while he was alive. In one of my articles, I wrote: “For all of us still living, let’s make our life worthy of emulation. It is not how long we live that is important, but, how well. One of our church songs (Anglican Communion) has words thus “when our strives here on earth are over, only our work when we were alive will be the thing we will be remembered for”. 

For the living, especially the debased or vitiate police officers who are debauched by the prospect of easy money; the corrupt politicians who have succumbed to temptation and begun questionable practices and are also lacking in native integrity; the venal government officials who acts on mercenary motives, without regard to honour, right, or justice and are willing to sell patronage and the evil and profligate people who are ruthlessly seeking personal advantage: I have few words of advice from Pastor Ross of USA to share with them:

“In business we talk about the 'take away'. It's your net profit, your bottom line reward. Here's a truth you need to know before they tag your toe, arrange your funeral service and lay flowers on your grave: when you live for yourself and fail to fulfil God's purpose for your life, the 'take away' is not worth the investment. Solomon writes, "So I turned in despair from hard work. It was not the answer to my search for satisfaction in this life. For though I do my work with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, I must leave everything I gain to people who haven't worked to earn it. This is not only foolish, but highly unfair" ( Ecclesiastes 2:18-21 NIV). The day is coming when all the stuff you've striven, strained and stressed out to acquire will make no difference. Your résumé and job title will no longer impress anyone. No one will care what clothes you wore or what cars you drove, except your relatives who plan to wear them, drive them or sell them. If you're wise you'll plan to exit this life with a 'take away' that involves these three things: (a) Satisfaction, that comes from having fulfilled your God-given assignment here on earth. (b) Success, that's measured in terms of eternal rewards, not temporal ones. (c) Security, that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. These are the only 'take away' worth living for!”

Haz Iwendi lived for the three “S” above and “exited” as a fulfilled man and in peace with God. Earth’s struggles for Haz has ceased since about a year ago when Jesus called him to heaven’s perfect peace.

To Haz´s mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters; I pray that they will continue to stay strong, courageous and steadfast. Their son, husband, father and brother led a very useful and productive, albeit, short life. Let them take solace in the fact that God promises us that on the resurrection day, mother, husband, father, children, brothers and sisters will all re-unite to part no more. They will surely see their Haz again. Most of all, God promises to take good care of them. The Book of Hebrews 13:5 says “I will never leave you nor forsake you".  That should be a source of lasting consolation for the bereaved family and all men/women of goodwill.

  Let’s take a brief look at Haz Iwendi´s biography as that will help those who didn’t know him well to understand who he was a bit:

 Haz was one of the most detribalised Nigerians anybody can think of. Going through his biography, I found out that he spoke Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, English and French fluently. He was married to Mrs. Oluwakemi Bamidele Iwendi (nee Makajuola) of Oshogbo Ilesha in Osun State. His four children are Pamela, Sarah, Hazel and Haz Jerry.

Haz worked in almost every part of Nigeria:  He served in Oyo (both at state level and in Iyana Offa), Jigawa, Ogun, Kano, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom (at state level and in Ikot Abasi), Delta (Issele Uku), Osun ( Oshogbo), Lagos, Edo ( Benin City), Enugu ( Enugu), Kebbi (Birnin Kebbi and Bagudu), Sokoto (Gusau) States, etc.

Haz was promoted Commissioner of Police (CP) December 18, 2006; Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) August 26, 2002; Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) December 1, 1998; Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) August 1, 1993; Acting Chief Superintendent of Police (AG. CSP) September 1, 1992; Superintendent of Police (SP) January 1, 1990; Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) March 1, 1983; confirmed Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) August 1, 1982; commissioned Assistant Superintendent of Police August 1, 1981; enlisted in the Police on July 17, 1980 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (C/ASP).

Haz was an accomplished cop. He participated in many conferences/seminars to keep himself abreast with police work all over the world: He attended in 2003 an annual conference of International Association of Chiefs of Police in Philadelphia USA; Twelfth International Symposium on Economic Crime at Jesus College, Cambridge from September 11-17, 1994; United Nations Crime Prevention Seminar in Vienna Austria from April 14-23, 1993; International Anti-Corruption Conference in Amsterdam Netherlands from March 4-14, 1992.

Haz updated his skills at regular intervals by undertaking police study tours abroad: He visited Germany ’s Länderpolizeischule (police college) Brandenburg ; Poland ’s Gdansk Para-Military Police; Republic of Ireland ’s Garda Siochana School ; Denmark ’s Copenhagen Constabulary; Belgium ’s Brussels Police and Great Britain ’s Bramshill and Wakefield School .

Despite his tight schedule, he still made out time for sporting activities. He had special qualifications and awards such as: Black belt (2nd Dan) Kyokushinkai Karate Jos Fiesta 1981; Chess Master Yabatech All Comers Chess Open 1978; British Chevening (British Council) Scholar. His hobbies included marital arts, chess, lawn tennis, current affairs, films and writing.

Haz was well read and versatile. He was the best graduating history student at UNN in 1979 and the runner-up best all-round graduating Cadet ASP in 1981. He had a Masters´ Degree (M.A) from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, his M.A. thesis topic was “legislating for the private security industry in Britain” and he graduated as the Best Student.

Haz was not a lone ranger. He believed that people can achieve more by joining together. He was a strong believer in the Igbo proverbs which say “when brooms join together they will be able to kill flies (njuju kwuekwue ha egbuta ijiji) and “when people urinate together, foam will be produced (anyukö mammiri onü ya agba üfüfü). Haz was very companionable and sociable; he engaged himself in the activities of his peers and of every community where he served. He mixed up well within the community wherever he was posted to. The point I want to make here is that Haz integrated well and didn´t stay aloof from the condition of the people of each of the areas where he worked. He was, Member, University of Nigeria Alumni Association; Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MINPR); Member, African Centre for Crime Prevention Research and Studies (MACP); Member, British Chevening Nigeria Association, Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria (FCAI); Member, Historical Society of Nigeria; Member, International Police Association (MPIA); Life Member, African/Afro Caribbean Society, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; Member, Ibadan Grammar School Old Boys Association; Member, St. Anthony’s College Old Boys Association; Member, Anti-Nshi Club; Life Member, Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship; Founding President, Rotary Club of Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom (District 9140); Member, International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Haz exerted a lot of influence on the Nigeria Police Force, while allowing his boss (The IGP) to take the credit for his ideas and suggestions. His special assignments included: Pioneer Secretary, Retired Inspectors General of Police Forum (RIGENF); Executive Secretary, Panel on Policing Nigeria Project etc.

But tell me: Why do good things (people) never last?

Adieu Haz, may you continue to find eternal rest in the bosom of our God.

If you can, goggle and read one of Haz´s last interviews:

THE THANXS IS ALL YOURS!!!

Temple Chima Ubochi writes from Bonn, Germany through ubochit@yahoo.com