Senate okays 5-yr single term for IGP, passes Police Reform Bill

Tunde Opalana, Abuja

The Senate has approved a single tenure of five years for appointees into the office of the Inspector General of Police.

This resolution was part of issues okayed in the Police Reform Bill which was passed at plenary on Wednesday.

The legislators approved the Introduction of community policing as effective means of stemming crimes and criminality in the country but was silent on establishment of State Police

These were consequent upon the presentation and consideration of the report of the Committee on Police Affairs of the Police Reform Bill. 2019 (SB 683).

Presenting the report, the committee chairman, Sen Tijjani Yahaya Laura (Zamfara North), said the bill sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, seeks to reform operations of the Nigeria Police which has not been reviewed since 1943.

Passing of the bill after 13 months of its initiation, he said, was the first time a holistic attempt would be made to change the Act which has been in existence since 1943.

Speaking on the major highlight of the bill, he said it will make Police people-oriented and people- centered.

The bill, he said, recommended effectiveness of Police Service by making training of officers and men of the Police compulsory.

He said the Bill which aimed to make the police responsible and responsive to the public was crafted to provide framework for the police service

The committee also mandated the Inspector General of Police to have ample time to plan and execute police policies by setting out annual policy plan that should contain priorities, mode if implementation and cost implications.

Sen Kaura said also central to the bill is the welfare of Police personnel to curb irregularities in operations of the service.

The bill, he added, was adequate given legislative considerations including a well-attended public hearing during which stakeholders made useful inputs that guided the committee in preparing its report and making its recommendations.

The Senate adopted the recommendation of the Committee that the name Nigeria Police Force be retained.

The committee recommended subjecting the confirmation of appointment of Inspector General to the Senate while the President can no longer relieve the Inspector General of his duty without the confirmation of the Nigeria Police Council.

On penalty for impersonating Police personnel by criminals like armed robbers and kidnappers in Police uniform, he said the committee recommended N5 million fine or two years’ imprisonment or both while erring policemen will be subjected to trial according to laws of the Nigeria Police Force.

The committee chairman appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to assent the bill immediately it is transmitted to him after the concurrence by the House of Representatives.

He said: “I don’t think the President will hold back his assent on this bill if this government is desirous of reforming the police”.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki commended the committee for a thorough work and members for debating the over hundred clauses in the committee’s report before passing the bill.

Saraki said the bill if assented to by the President, will correct the many ills in the police service and make it more effective and efficient.

The Senate also on Wednesday passed the National Health Insurance Act Bill, 2019 (SB 278) which Repeal and Re-enact the National Health Insurance Act 2003 and Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Punishment) Bill. 2019 (SB 337).