…task IGP, PSC to work in the interest of the nation
From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Senate has recently confirmed the nomination of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), as the new Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio while confirming their nomination, urged the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to stop struggling with the Police Service Commission (PSC) in the interest of the country.
The confirmation was sequel to the report of the Committee on Police Affairs on confirmation of the nominations of the following persons for appointment as chairman, secretary and member of the Police Service Commission.
Those confirmed are: Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd), (Chairman), Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, (Secretary) and Barr. Fredrick Taiwo Lakanu, (member).
Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Abdulhamid, Mallam-Madori Ahmed (Jigawa East), while presenting the report urged the Senate to consider the report and confirm the nominations.
He said, with the confirmation of members of PSC, the recruitment exercise which was put on hold due to the absence of a board will be brought to a logical conclusion.
Speaking on this, Senate President Akpabio said the Committee on Police Affairs should also ensure oversight functions hereafter to avoid the mistakes of the past, particularly the idea of the office of the Inspector General of Police struggling with the Police Service Commission on its issues of recruitment.
According to him, “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.
“Whether withdrawn or not withdrawn, this Police Service Commission we have just cleared today, the office of the inspector-general of police should be cautioned to take the interest of Nigerians into consideration and the security of this nation uppermost and not their personal interest”, he said.
DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd), replaced the former Inspector General of Police, Mr Sunday Ehindaro.