The Chairman of the Committee on Police Institutions in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boyo, has declared the need to strengthen the ability and authority of the Police Service Commission (PSC).
Hon. Boya said this on Wednesday, November 20, when he led a delegation on a visit to the Commission to interact with its management, according to a statement by the PSC Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the visit was to understand the challenges being faced by the PSC and see how the committee could Intervene to put it in proper shape to render its oversight responsibilities.
Speaking, the leader of the delegation said that 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 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 it.
The Committee Chairman noted the financial challenges being faced by the Commission, disclosing that he had 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 forthrigtness in repositioning the Commission.
The PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), who received the delegation, expressed his happiness at the decision of the Committee to visit the Commission.
DIG Argungu noted that the visit was timely and remarkable, appealing for the support of the Committee in ensuring adequate budgetary provision for the Commission.
The PSC Chairman said the constitutional responsibilities of the Commission had 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.
He said that this would remain the benchmark for its oversight of the Police.
The PSC’s Honourable Commissioner, DIG Taiwo Lakanu, and the Secretary to the Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, were in the Chairman’s team that received the visiting delegation.
