AKPABIO CHARGES PSC TO ADOPT POLICIES THAT REPOSITION THE POLICE AS PROTECTORS, NOT PREDATORS; AS COMMUNITY PARTNERS NOT ISOLATED ENFORCERS

 

AKPABIO CHARGES PSC TO ADOPT POLICIES THAT  REPOSITION THE POLICE AS PROTECTORS, NOT PREDATORS;  AS COMMUNITY PARTNERS NOT ISOLATED ENFORCERS, says Nigeria stands at the threshold  where our police force must not be seen merely  as an arm of coercion, but as an engine of trust, justice and Public service 

The 4-day induction programme  for Board members of the Police Service Commission got underway today, Monday, April 28th 2025,  with the opening ceremony where the Special Guest of Honour and the Senate President, Senator Godswil Akpabio charged the new Members not to see their new position as mere appointment  but a call to purpose, a mandate to reform and a sacred trust to serve.

Chief Akpabio who was represented by the Deputy President of the Senate, Dr. Barau Jibrin, CFR noted that without a Police Force rooted in Justice and trusted by the People, " the foundations  of our democracy  tremble, the peace we cherish  grows fragile and the very fabric of our national life begins to fret".

In a paper titled "Building a Police Force that works for all" the Senate President reminded the new Members that they have been summoned to a duty as weighty as it is historic and urged them to " leave a mark. Leave a legacy. Leave the system better than you met it" adding  " I invite you beyond induction  into introspection; beyond titles into tasks; beyond routine into reform.

He said Nigeria stands at a threshold  where "our Police Force must no longer be seen merely  as an arm of coercion, but as an engine of trust, justice and Public service ".

Senator Akpabio admitted that the challenges before the Commission were enormous-ranging  from funding deficits, outdated training models and low morale, to the corrosive  effects of corruption  and the burden of Police distrust"

He however reminded the new Members  that light shines brightest in darkness adding " this is your moment to be that light".

The Senate President noted that one of the critical pillars of the PSC deliberations " must be Policy direction and urged the Commission  to adopt policies that reposition the Police as protectors, not predators; as community partners not isolated enforcers.

According to him, "on Instutional Reform, we must acknowledge  that no system Reforms intself...on performance optimization, it is time to introduce  a reward system that recognises  and uplifts those Officers who embody the finest ideals of public service "

The Senate President  said the Senate recognises  that no reform will endure without Legislative partnership and promised  that the National Assembly "stands ready to review outdated laws, approve essential Reforms and provide the robust oversight needed to ensure a professional, a people-oriented Police system".

The opening ceremony also received goodwill messages from the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno; the Chairman of the Senate Committe on Police Affairs, Amb. Ahmed  Abdulhamid Mallam Madori; the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun and the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices  and other Related Offences Commission.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume in his message read on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Dr. Maurice Mberi told the new Board that the Federal Government  envisions and supports  a governance structure "where  no individual  acts in isolation" adding that the present Administration  " has clearly reaffirmed  the importance of upholding collective responsibility in the administration  of Federal Executive Bodies".

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni in his opening remarks underscored the importance of the induction programme and said the Commission was now ready to get it right and build bridges of progress for the Nigeria of Police Force.

Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Member representing the Judiciary in his welcome address said the programme  is organised  to usher in the Members  of the Commision  to acquaint them with the activities  of the Commission. 

According to him "it is the hope of all the new members including myself that at the end of the programme, we will be better equipped to carry  out the oversight function over the Nigeria Police Force as assigned to us by the Constitution  and other relevant statutes "

The Induction programme continues tomorrow, Tuesday April 29th 2025.

Ikechukwu Ani 

Head, Press and Public Relations 

Monday, 28th 2025