Against the backdrop of worsening insecurity across Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the Police Service Commission to improve its approaches in safeguarding the lives and properties of Nigerians.
He gave the charge in Abuja on Tuesday while receiving the Annual Report of the commission for 2018.
The commission’s mandate includes appointment, promotion, and disciplinary control of officers of the Nigerian Police.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, the President said the commission has the most challenging responsibility of oversight of the police.
However, President Buhari expressed confidence in the members to deliver the dividends of his Next Level agenda in the area of security.
“The people that comprise this commission are mostly personally known to me and some of them have been through the mill as it were, therefore I expect them to put the Police in order. I personally believe that the Inspector General is doing his best …the Police are always in the frontline and unless we get the police working effectively, the security of this country will remain in doubt.
“Your assignment is enormous and calls for sacrifice and commitment especially now that almost every country is faced with severe internal security challenges. Nigeria is no exception,” he established.
He also commended the commission for the reposition of the police in the “areas of merit-driven promotion and prompt disciplinary actions.
“Government will require that you redouble your efforts and ensure that the Police Force receives the required assistance for optimum service delivery,” he said as he called for a harmonious working relationship.
“I wish to see close communication and understanding between you and the Nigeria Police. This is necessary for the overall efficiency and effectiveness in securing the country,” President Buhari said.
The chairman of the commission, Musiliu Smith, pledged that commission will continue to work in line with the president’s directives to actualise a “productive Nigeria Police Force, which will attract the endorsement of all Nigerians and also receive the acclaim of the policemen themselves.”
Mr Smith expressed the hope that the APC-led administration would address the funding challenge of the police and the commission.
