Senate President, Dr. Bukola
Saraki, has revealed that the determination of the Senate to fast-track work on
the passage of Nigeria Police Reform Bill informed the recent decision to
change the chairmanship of the Senate committee on Police Affairs.
The Senate President said this
while reiterated the Senate’s commitment to fast-tracking the passage of the
Bill.
In a statement signed by his
Special Assistant on New Media, Olu Onemola, the lawmaker said that given the security challenges that the nation was
facing, the passage of the Bill would help to create a more responsive and
efficient Police institution for all Nigerians.
Saraki also mentioned that the
Police Reform Bill will amend the existing framework between the Police Service
Commission and the Police; creates community police fora at the state level —
to ensure closer oversight and participatory policing by the public; and
Divisional and State Police Boards, which shall be responsible for maintaining
partnerships, promoting communication and building cooperation between
communities and the police.
The statement added,
“Guaranteeing the safety of the lives and properties of Nigerians remains a
fundamental concern for all members of the 8th Senate. As the representatives
of Nigerians, all Senators agree that there is a need to make our Police more
responsive and effective — in order to meet the demands of our nation’s
security challenges.
“This is why, in putting together
the updated version of the Police Reform Bill, we have consulted widely —
involving serving and former members of the Nigerian Police Force; private
sector, members of the civil society; and legal experts. These consultations
have been done in a bid to ensure that this Bill is not only comprehensive in
its coverage, but also effective in building stronger institutional guidelines
for our police,” the Senate President said.
“Make no mistake, these new
incorporations to the Bill touch on issues that will address the
professionalism that should be enforced in the Nigerian Police Force. This is
why, it is our fervent hope, that by the end of November, Nigerians across the
country will be able to celebrate the passage of this Bill.
“Our determination to fast-track
work on the Bill informed the recent decision to change the chairmanship of the
Senate Committee on Police Affairs. The mandate given to the new leadership is
to ensure that the Bill which has passed second reading stage should quickly go
through the public hearing and committee stages so that we can pass it in the
next few weeks,” he stated.
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