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You can’t confirm or sack Police IG, Idris tells Senate

Published

6 years ago

December 5, 2018

The Inspector – General or Police , Ibrahim Idris , on Wednesday rejected the move to make Senate confirmation a condition for the appointments of IGPs .He also said the planned reduction of the number of Deputy Inspectors – General of Police from seven to one would be counter – productive.

Idris made his position known at a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs to consider an amendment bill for enactment of the Police Act , 2018 sponsored by Senator Bala Ibn Na ’ Allah from Kebbi South.

He , however , agreed with the proposal for a five -year tenure for IGPs .

He said , “ While the proposed bill will help in reforming the Police and re – position it in its key role in administration of justice , there are a few observations by the Police Force .

“ The confirmation and removal of Inspector – General of Police by the Senate should be expunged from the bill .

“ Appointment of the IGP as recommended by the Police Service Commission and nominated by the President without Senate confirmation is desirable to Police to avoid politicisation of the whole process . ”

Idris said any reduction in the number of DIGS would put unbearable pressure on the IGP .

“ Presently, I have seven DIGs working with me at the Force Headquarters .

“ Reducing them to only one DIG will be retrogressive , considering the enormity of administrative and operational responsibilities attached to the office of the IGP , ” he added .

Meanwhile , the Oba of Lagos , Rilwan Akiolu, also at the event called on members of the National Assembly to reduce their jumbo pay in order to free money to take care of the police .

The traditionally ruler who is a retired Assistant Inspector – General of Police said one of the ways to improve the welfare of policemen “ is for the federal lawmakers to drastically cut down their monthly jumbo pay . ”

He claimed that the Nigerian Army was responsible for “ the killing” of Nigeria Police ’ s efficiency .

“ It is the Nigerian Army who actually killed ( six ) the efficiency and the progress of the police , ” he said .

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr . Musiliu Smith , said the commission agreed with majority of the recommendations made in the bill .