•Ask IGP to implement PSC recommendations on officers’ promotion
The House of Representatives on Tuesday tasked all the Security Agencies to flush out kidnappers in Abaji and Kwali Area Councils within Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by Hon. Ajiya Abdulrahman.
While stressing the urgent need to address the incessant abduction and killing in Kwali and Abaji in FCT, Hon. Abdulrahaman underscored the need for conscious efforts to be taken to halt the abduction and killing of FCT residents.
He maintained that no one is spared as victims of these dastardly attacks.
According to him, the victims include traditional rulers, security officers, women, children among others.
Hon. Abdulrahaman stated that the people of the FCT now live in perennial fear of more attacks.
He called on the relevant security forces to employ more personnel to flush out the bandits and rescue the kidnapped victims.
While ruling on the motion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred it to the House Committee on Army, Police Affairs and Defence for further legislative action.
Also at plenary, the House mandated Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun to immediately implement the recommendation of the Police Service Commission with respect to the promotion of the concerned men and officers of the Niger Police Force.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda who called for the implementation of the recommendations of the Police Service Commission (PSC).
In his lead debate, Hon. Chinda who called for the House intervention, expressed grave concern over incidents of non-implementation by the IGP, the recommendations by the Commission for the promotion of qualified officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
“The House also notes that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is an important agency of the Federal Government.
“The House is aware that the NPF was created under Section 214(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and pursuant to Section 4 of the Police Act, empowered, among other things, the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, the preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property, and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged.
“The House is also aware that the Inspector General of Police is appointed by the President of the country on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council, according to Section 215(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“The House is further aware that the Police Service Commission (PSC) is statutorily created and charged with responsibility for the appointment, promotion, and discipline of persons (other than the office of the IGP) in the Nigeria Police Force.
“The House observes that earlier in 2023, the PSC, in the exercise of its statutory responsibilities, at one of its meetings approved the promotion of several police officers, a notice of which was duly conveyed to the IGP to release signal and accordingly effect the same.
“The House is cognizant of the fact that the IGP subsequently ignored the PSC recommendation and deliberately neglected and/or refused to effect the release, despite measures taken by the PSC for him to do so.
“The House is concerned that the IGP’s refusal to act on the PSC’s recommendation is not in the best interest of the men and officers of the NPF and the country at large.
“The House is worried that unless swift measures are immediately taken to implement the PSC’s recommendations, the morale, commitment, and dedication to duty of the affected men and officers of the NPF are likely to be negatively affected,” Hon. Chinda said.
To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
TRIBUNE
