By George Ozalla
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has appealed to the Police Service Commission (PSC) to adopt policies that reposition the police as protectors, not predators, and as community partners, not isolated enforcers. Akpabio, who was represented by Deputy Senate President Dr. Barau Jibrin, CFR, reiterated the need for the police force to be seen as an engine of trust, justice, and public service, rather than an arm of coercion.
According to a press statement signed by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Police Service Commission, Akpabio said Nigeria stands at a threshold where the police force must be seen in a new light. He emphasized that the PSC has a weighty duty to reform the police and leave a lasting legacy.
Akpabio identified challenges facing the commission, including funding deficits, outdated training models, low morale, corruption, and police distrust. However, he urged the new board members to be the light in darkness, introducing reforms that prioritize policy direction, institutional reform, and performance optimization.
The Senate President promised the National Assembly’s support in reviewing outdated laws, approving essential reforms, and providing robust oversight to ensure a professional and people-oriented police system.
The PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), mni, noted the commission’s readiness to build bridges of progress for the Nigeria Police Force during a 4-day induction programme for Board members. The programme received goodwill messages from stakeholders, including the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the Inspector General of Police.
