By Ebinum Samuel
The House of Representatives Committee on Police Institutions today, Wednesday, November 20th 2024 visited the Police Service Commission to interact with the Management of the Commission to understand the challenges and see how it can Intervene to put the Commission in proper shape to render its oversight responsibilities on the Police.
The leader of the delegation and Chairman of the House Committee on Police Institutions, Hon. Barr. Aliyu Wakili Boya said civilian oversight of the Police “is an indispensable mechanism for promoting transparency accountability and Public trust in law enforcement Institutions. In view of this, he declared that there was need to strengthen the Commission’s ability and authority. He told the Commission’s management that in order to function effectively, there is need to provide adequate budgetary provisions, legal backing and operational independence for the Commission.
The Committee Chairman said he is aware of the financial challenges the Commission is facing and said he has discussed it with his colleague in the Appropriation Committee.Hon Boyo commended the Commission Chairman for the innovative programmes he introduced since his assumption of duty, stressing that the “Arena of Knowledge” lecture series was a demonstration of his commitment to improved staff knowledge, productivity and efficiency towards service delivery.He also commended the Chairman for his astute leadership, prudent management of resources and forthrightness in repositioning the Commission.The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, who received the visiting delegation at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission expressed his happiness at the decision of the Committee to visit the Commission.
DIG Argungu noted that the visit was timely and remarkable and appealed for the support of the Committee in ensuring adequate budgetary provision for the Commission. The PSC Chairman said the constitutional responsibilities 9f the Commission has suffered due to financial incapacitation.He assured the Committee of the Preparedness of the Commission to improve the services of the Nigeria Police Force through credible and efficient oversight.DIG Argungu said the new leadership of the Commission has zero tolerance for Corruption and has launched the whistle blowing Policy stressing that these programmes would remain the benchmark for its oversight of the Police.DIG Taiwo Lekanu, Honourable Commissioner in the Commission and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani Secretary to the Commission were in the Chairman’s team that received the visiting delegation.