…As Commission seeks UNDP, German’s support for reform
By Mike Eyibio
Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, on Wednesday stated that it is difficult to oversight the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
She attributed this to the myriads of challenges facing the Police Service Commission (PSC).
The Commission made the disclosure when a delegation of the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and the German Government where it canvassed for support and productive partnership in improving Policing in Nigeria in line with the ongoing Police Reforms.
In a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, said the move is part of continuation of stakeholders advocacy meetings for a holistic overhaul of the Nigeria Police Force for optimum service delivery.
Justice Clara Ogunbiyi, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, spoke on behalf of the Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase.
Ogunbiyi, solicited for assistance from the Organization and the German Government in some areas that will help the Commission rebuild the Nigeria Police Force for better performance.
She mentioned the building of an automated Police Personnel database and conduct of a verification exercise on Police Personnel.
This, she said will enable the Commission have a reliable data on Police Personnel in Nigeria.
Ogunbiyi, added that the Commission will need support in carrying out background checks on recruits and cadets in training to assist verify their credentials and determine previous criminal records or involvement in criminal activities.
She spoke on the need for medical/psychiatric evaluation of Police Officers for early detection of illness and prevent sudden deaths while in service.
According to her, it will also help discover Officers who are addicted to hard drugs or alcohol and rehabilitate them. Mentally unstable Officers will also be discovered and taking off the streets or their appointments terminated.
She called for support for specialized training of staff of the Commission on investigation, communication skills, ICT and administrative procedures of the NPF, adding that this will help equip staff with the required skills that would enable them optimally perform their duties.
Simon Ridley of UNDP Nigeria said the Organization is in the Commission to explore how it can collaborate, partner, support and strengthen the ongoing Police reforms in the country.
Ridley, also noted that the organization was also interested in the Commission’s role in Police oversight and accountability and to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Grothe Tobias, of the Federal Foreign Office of the German Embassy, Security Sector represented the German Government at the Stakeholders Meeting.