Police Boss Rejects Senate Confirmation of IGP Appointment
The Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris has kicked against provision of a proposed Police Reform Bill seeking to subject appointment of Inspector General of Police (IGP) to Senate confirmation.
Speaking at a public hearing on Wednesday; his first appearance in the Senate after many months, Idris cautioned strongly against the proposed provision of the bill asking that it should be exponged from the document.
The Police Chief advised lawmakers to stick to the current arrangement where the President appoints the IGP on the recommendation of the National Council of State.
“The appoinent of the IGP on the recommendation of the Police Service Commission without confirmation of the Senate is the desire of the Police”, he said.
The IGP also cautioned against a provision that seeks to alter the existing structure of the police.
While the bill recommends a single Deputy Inspector of Police (DIG) to act when the IGP is not available; Idris believes the arrangements will put too much pressure on the IGP who currently works with 7 DIGs.
Idris however supports the provision for five years tenure for the position of IGP.
Also speaking, Chairman Police Service Commission, Musiliu Smith welcomed the reform and stressed the need to invest more in funding the police lamenting how some police officers are given free accommodation by criminals and drug merchants.
Sponsor of the bill, Senator Bala Ibn Na’allah is optimistic the proposed bill will greatly enhance police service delivery and insulate officers from politics and politicians.
Although the laws governing police in Nigeria have witnessed amendments; most of the laws in the country still dates back to colonial time.