Police Service Commission (PSC)

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A formal complaint has been lodged with the Police Service Commission (PSC) against the Commissioner of Police and other officers of the Kaduna State Command, alleging widespread unprofessional conduct and abuse of office.

The petition, authored by the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, calls for an “immediate, impartial, and exhaustive investigation” into the officers’ activities. It alleges serial violations of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and its regulations.

In the letter addressed to the Chairman of the PSC, El-Rufai stated he was motivated by a sense of duty as a citizen and former public servant. He highlighted his eight-year tenure as governor and expressed concern for the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.

The former governor urged the Commission to exercise its constitutional and statutory powers to enforce discipline and promote ethical conduct within the force. The specific details of the alleged misconduct were not immediately disclosed in the petition’s introductory section.

The petition is expected to trigger a formal inquiry by the PSC into the operations of the Kaduna State Police Command under its current leadership.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Mr Hashimu Argungu as Chairman, Police Service Commission, PSC.

Also confirmed as Secretary and Member were Chief Onyemuche Nnamani and Frederick Lakanu.

This followed adoption of the report of the Committee on Police Affairs at the Committee of the Whole on Thursday.

Presenting the report Chairman of the committee, Senator Abdulhamid Ahmed (APC-Jigawa) said the professional truck records of the nominees validates the fact that they are persons of proven integrity and ability.

According to him, there is no petition or any adverse security report against their nomination.

He said their qualifications, track record of excellence, professional services and cognate experience confirmed and affirmed their suitability and competence to be appointed for the positions.

He therefore urged the Senate to confirm the nominees.

Contributing, Sen.Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) said the committee performed its duties as was requested by the senate.

He said he has a personal knowledge of the nominees in the course of his service at various levels, while urging the Senate to confirm the nominees.

Senator Ahmed Lawan (APC-Yobe) commended the committee for conducting a through secreening on the nominees.

He said the nominees were all qualified for the positions expressing hope that they would perform creditably.

He said there was a disagreement between office of Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission on who should recruit new police officers, saying that the matter ended at the Supreme Court.

This, Lawan said was a a bad experience, saying that the Senate must insist that whatever issues between the two organisations should be resolved.

He expressed believe that the nominees are well qualified to do the job, while urging the committee to closely monitor activities in the two organisations.

President of Senate Godswill Akpabio said committee on police affairs should ensure oversight functions to avoid the mistakes of the past particularly the idea of office of the Inspector-General of Police struggling with the police service commission on issues of recruitment.

“In the last two years, we probably would have had additional 20,000 Nigerians into the Nigerian Police Force.

“But unfortunately as a result of personality clashes, the issues went as far as the supreme Court.

“Whelther withdrawn or not withdrawn, this police service commission we have just cleared today.

“And so Office of the Inspector-General of Police should be cautioned to take the interest of Nigerians into consideration and security of this nation uppermost and not their personal interest.

“They should work harmoniously toward the realisation of Mr President’s vision that Nigerians should be allowed to sleep with their eyes closed.”