Ayuba Sanusi
THE Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) Dr. Solomon Arase, has described the decision of the Supreme Court affirming the power of the Commission to recruit constables into the Nigeria Police as in the best interest of national security.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that the Supreme Court on 11th July 2023 held that the Commission was the organ constitutionally empowered to conduct the recruitment.
However, a statement by Ikechukwu Ani, spokesman of PSC insists that the decision has laid to rest the contentious issue and controversy between the PSC and the Police.
“The Supreme Court unequivocally pronounced the Police Service Commission as the agency statutorily mandated to do so”, Mr Ani stated.
However, according to the statement, “Prior to the judgment, efforts were already in process and at advanced stage towards amicable resolution of the issue between the two critical institutions, as it was highly embarrassing to the government and, indeed, other stakeholders, for the duo, that ought to work in harmony and mutuality, to have engaged in such avoidable legal dispute over an issue that sought understanding, respect and compromise”.
The PSC Chairman, Solomon Arase, declared that the judgment simply and legally cemented the resolution of the issue in a win-win situation for the two institutions, which ordinarily cannot effectively function and deliver on their respective mandates without the cooperation of each other.
“It must be said and seen, therefore, that the judgment is delivered for the overall best interest of our national security, and goes to underscore the imperative need for harmonious working relationship and mutual trust amongst agencies of government”, Arase said.
Consequently, the PSC boss said, “It is important that all concerned de-escalate and eschew all forms of hostilities, misconceptions, preconceptions and prejudices against each other, which were at the base of the hitherto characterizing of a no- no-love-lost relationship between the Commission and the NPF”.
He noted that the unnecessary imbroglio impacted negatively on the staff of the PSC, officers and other ranks of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to him, a recruitment board has been constituted by the PSC, chaired by the Commission with other stakeholders as members, and would be inaugurated in no distant time.
He said the Board would screen and ensure that only able and qualified members of the public were recruited into the NPF, adding that the principle of federal character would be reflected.
Arase further stated that the imperativeness of peace, harmony and cordiality between the two institutions could not be over-emphasized, as contemporary security provision has become more tasking than ever, and demands a robust policy guideline from the Commission.
He said, “If the Nigeria Police Force must be repositioned for greater efficiency and effectiveness, it not only meets up with the myriad of security challenges confronting our dear country, Nigeria but also brings responsive, responsible and accountable police to our people.
“Peace is essential for the growth and success of any institution in delivering on its mandate, and it is hoped that the Commission and NPF will continue to build and consolidate on the emerging trust, confidence and mutual respect that will aggregate to foster and entrench a culture of love and symbiotic relationship between the two agencies, towards the attainment of our statutory mandates, for a greater, safer, prosperous and more secure Nigeria”, Arase noted.
Eighteen-Eleven Media