The Nigerian Senate has reiterated its commitment to ongoing reforms of the Nigeria Police Force to reposition it for better service delivery in line with international best practices.
President of the Senate, Dr Godswill Akpabio, made this known at an induction programmme for Board Members of the Police Service Commission with the theme: “Enhancing The Key Standards of Corporate Governance” held at Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
Represented by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, Senator Akpabio noted the importance to change the current perception of the people towards the police force hence the need to reform the structure in line with with international standards.
Declaring the induction open, Dr Akpabio who noted the challenges before the Commission, gave an assurance of the support the National Assembly to lift the force to enviable heights to serve with integrity with requisite laws and legislation.
Delivering a keynote, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, charged the Board to bring their wealth of experience to bear so as to make the commission excel and efficiently deliver on its set mandate of overseeing appointments, promotions and discipline among others of all officers in the police force in accordance with relevant Acts and Rules.
Senator Akume represented by the Permanent Secretary Office of the Government of the Federation, Dr Maurice Mbaeri, expressed confidence that the Board will uphold the status diligently and responsibly, urging them to focus on strategies that will address the challenges affect the morale and performance of the Police and implement measures that will enhance their operational efficiency.
In his opening remark, the Chairman, Police Service Commission, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hashimu Argungu, stressed that the commission needs the collaboration and support of stakeholders to carry out the needed reform of the police.
DIG Argungu stressed the need to bring innovation to the recruitment process to meet with international best practices and standards noting that there was need to establish the Police Short Service Institution like in the military to bridge the gap and to recruit professionals into the force.
On his part, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, stated the induction and strategic technical sessions will help deepen institutional capabilities of the commission exposing participants to new ways of combating crimes.
Represented by his Special Adviser of Security, Retired Deputy Inspector General Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, Governor Eno explained that the state is enjoying a cordial relationship with security agencies.
High-point of the event was award presentation to the President of the Senate, Dr Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and other notable Nigerians that have supported the advancement and efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force.
by IKECHUKWU AGBAMEGBUE/UYO
