On Tuesday, the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) House of Representatives assigned all Security Agencies the mission of locating and apprehending kidnappers in the Abaji and Kwali Area Councils.
The resolution was adopted after a motion submitted by Hon. Ajiya Abdulrahman under Matters of Urgent Public Importance was adopted.
Hon. Abdulrahaman voiced his deep dissatisfaction with kidnapping operations in the Kwali and Abaji Area Councils during his lead debate.
Honourable Abdulrahaman emphasised the necessity of taking deliberate action to stop the kidnapping and killing of inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while also emphasising the urgent need to address the ongoing abduction and killing in Kwali and Abaji.
He insisted that everyone is a victim of these heinous assaults.
He claims that traditional leaders, police personnel, ladies, and kids are among the casualties.
People in the Federal Capital Territory now live in constant fear of further attacks, according to Hon. Abdulrahaman.
In order to track down the bandits and free the victims who had been abducted, he urged the relevant security forces to hire more people.
In his decision, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas forwarded the proposal to the House Committee on Army, Police Affairs, and Defence in order to pursue additional legislative measures.
During the House plenary session, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, was directed by the House to promptly execute the Police Service Commission’s advice regarding the advancement of the Niger Police Force officers and men who are in question.
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The Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, proposed a motion that advocated for the execution of the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) recommendations, and the motion was adopted, following which the resolution was passed.
Hon. Chinda, who led the House intervention in the debate, voiced serious concerns about instances in which the IGP failed to implement the Commission’s recommendations for the promotion of eligible officers and men in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The House therefore observes that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is a significant Federal Government agency.
The House is aware that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) was established in accordance with Section 214(1) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 4 of the Police Act. The NPF was given authority to carry out a number of tasks, including the prevention and detection of crime, the capture and arrest of offenders, the maintenance of law and order, the defence of life and property, and the proper enforcement of all laws and regulations that they are directly responsible for.
The Nigeria Police Council advises the President of the nation when appointing the Inspector General of Police, as the House is well aware, in accordance with Section 215(1) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) Constitution.
It is further known to the House that the Nigeria Police Force’s appointment, promotion, and disciplinary actions are under the purview of the Police Service Commission (PSC), which was established by statute and is not affiliated with the office of the Inspector General of Police.
The House notes that earlier in 2023, the PSC, in the course of its official duties, authorised the promotion of multiple police officers during one of its meetings. The IGP was promptly notified of this and was tasked with acting on it.
The PSC took steps to ensure that the IGP followed its suggestion, but the House is aware that he did not, and that he purposefully failed or refused to carry out the release.
The IGP’s reluctance to implement the PSC’s recommendation worries the House since it may not be beneficial for the NPF officers and soldiers as well as the nation as a whole.
“The House expresses concern that the morale, dedication, and commitment to duty of the affected men and officers of the NPF may suffer if prompt action is not taken to implement the PSC’s recommendations,” Hon. Chinda stated.
Therefore, in order to facilitate further legislative action, the House directed the joint Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to guarantee compliance and submit a report in a span of four weeks.
