Foundation urges better funding of security agencies
Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) has rejected the recent amendment to the Police Act 2020, urging President Bola Tinubu to discard the amendment.
Its Executive Director, Buna Olaitan, who described the bill as self-serving, unpatriotic and undemocratic, said the bill, which seeks to extend the service years of police personnel, undermined the rule of law and could promote internal discord within the force.
He alleged that the law was deliberately amended to extend the tenure of the current Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60.
Recall that the House of Representatives recently approved the Police Act Amendment Bill to allow the current occupant to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in his letter of appointment.
The proposed legislation to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020 seeks to guarantee the tenure of the IGP and enhance police operations, by promoting accountability, modernising policing methods and fostering a more harmonious relationship between the police and the community.
When the executive bill was read on the floor of the House, lawmakers were reported to have voted unanimously to pass it expeditiously.
Speaking at a press conference at the weekend, Olaitan argued that the “bill violates the due process of law, and is an attempt to bypass the Constitution.
He stated: “The office of the IGP is highly strategic for the survival of a nation because of the statutory powers he exercises over full command and operational control of the Police and all its departments and units.
“Egbetokun was appointed as Inspector General of Police in the year 2023, to hold office till his retirement upon 35 years in service or attainment of the age of 60. According to Egbetokun’s official records, he is due for retirement by September 2024 when he attains the age of 60 having been born on September 4, 1964.
“Our concern is that Egbetokun should have proceeded on his terminal leave and handover to another credible officer to hold forth in acting capacity before the appointment of a substantive Inspector General of Police in line with the provision of Section 215(1) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as altered).”
He also noted that the group had written the President to register their complaint against the amendment bill and notify him of their intention to seek legal redress.
Olaitan stressed that the group may file a legal suit to express their grievances and ensure justice in the appointment of an IGP.
A non-governmental organisation, CLEEN Foundation, has called for increased manpower for better insecurity fight nationwide.
The foundation, in collaboration with MacArthur, at a two-day workshop in Asaba Delta State, drew participants across the various security agencies to drive home its advocacy.
Speaking on the theme: “Citizens’ Engagement on Policing Reforms,” the foundation’s Programme Officer, Nnamdi Odo, explained that the forum provides a platform for citizens to engage with the security agencies for reforms that would engender efficiency in policing.
Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter, Sonia Unobunjo, applauded the foundation for advocating stronger laws geared at “ paving the way for a more secure and equitable society for all.”
Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Asaba Branch, Precious Nwadimuya, tasked the police to promote the rule of law while carrying out their operations as stipulated by law to avoid civil unrest.
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