The House of Representatives has decided to intervene in the ongoing conflict between the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), which has stalled the 2023/2024 recruitment of Police Constables.
This decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance presented by Hon. Metema Obordor, who represents Ogbia Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State, during a plenary session on Thursday.
In his motion, Obordor highlighted that the Nigeria Police falls under the supervision of the PSC, which holds the authority to appoint, promote, and dismiss officers within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), with the exception of the IGP.
Obordor pointed out the critical issue of Nigeria’s police-to-citizen ratio, which is currently at one police officer per 650 citizens, far below the ideal ratio of one officer per 200 citizens.
This is also significantly lower than the United Nations’ recommendation of one officer per 450 citizens, indicating a substantial shortage in police personnel.
The lawmaker expressed concern over the prolonged dispute between the PSC and the IGP, which has resulted in a 10-month halt in the recruitment of new police personnel.
He emphasized that this impasse has exacerbated the already critical shortage of police officers, undermining the force’s ability to effectively address security threats.
Obordor stressed the urgent need to bolster the Nigeria Police by achieving a more favorable police-to-citizen ratio, either by setting a target of one officer per 200 citizens or adhering to the UN’s recommendation of one officer per 450 citizens.
He argued that resolving the conflict between the PSC and the IGP, as well as resuming the recruitment of additional police officers, is crucial for enhancing Nigeria’s security and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
“Concerned that the shortage of police personnel has diminished police presence in communities, leading to a surge in crime rates as criminals exploit the situation, particularly in Bayelsa State.
“This has compromised public safety, eroded trust in the police force, and undermined the government’s ability to ensure security,” Obordor stated.
He further warned that the ongoing dispute and subsequent halt in recruitment could have severe national security implications, potentially empowering terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.
In response to the motion, the House tasked its Standing Committee on Police with investigating the root causes of the conflict between the PSC and the IGP.
The committee is expected to resolve the dispute and expedite the recruitment process, reporting back within four weeks.
Additionally, the House has called on the Federal Government to provide adequate funding and resources to support the recruitment and training of police officers, ensuring adherence to the federal character principles outlined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
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