By Ebinum Samuel
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu rtd, mni has called for gender sensitivity and balance in the management of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
He identified equity as the bedrock of an all inclusive policing.
The PSC Chairman was speaking while receiving a delegation of the Gender Policy team from the Nigeria Police Force.
He reiterated the need for gender sensitivity and balance in the recruitment and distribution of responsibilities in the Police.
DIG Argungu further explained that diversity and disparity of human nature must be recognized in every aspect of human lives to ensure a successful human endeavour.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force for taking the bold step towards institutional transformation and assured the delegation of the Commission’s full support in aligning its recruitment, discipline and promotion procedures with the principles outlined in the policy.
The PSC Chairman also emphasized the importance of creating a police institution that reflects equity, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
According to the Commission’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, the leader of the NPF Gender Policy team, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Aishatu Abubakar Baju during her presentation highlighted the rationale for the revised edition of gender policy for the NPF noting that the new Policy will ensure that the NPF as an institution and Police Officers, can better appreciate the heterogenous nature, particularly the broad range of needs and interests of their target population.
The Police Force has the mandate to protect all interests and groups, including women and other vulnerable groups and not just those of the most visible and privileged groups in society”.
She further stated that the overall goal of the policy is to promote and protect human rights, social justice, and equity; eliminate all forms of gender-based discriminatory laws, regulations and practices within the NPF, and ensure that the police Force as a major security organ of government is able to effectively deal with gender- based violence and sexual abuse with the larger Nigerian society and also within the Force.
The AIG also stressed that child-bearing should be regarded as national Service because in the process of procreating and it’s concomitant struggles women tend to be negatively impacted in their career progression.
Justice Paul Adamu Galumje JSC (Rtd) , the Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission in his brief remarks at the ceremony noted that justice is not served ‘a la carte’. He maintained that gender issue should be guided by principle of natural justice and equality.
Justice Galumje also stressed that women have a lot to do and that the society should stop discriminating against themselves. He said “there are no laws in the country that discriminate against women”.
DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Commissioner representing the Police in the Commission, applauded the AIG for a job well done. He said she has started well and promised that the Commission will not deter in giving all the necessary support to the Police efforts on gender policy.