House Committee Moves to Enhance Powers of PSC to Properly Oversight NPF

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Police Institutions has sought to enhance the powers of the Police Service Commission to properly oversight the Nigeria Police Force.
The Committee members visited the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja to interact with the Management of the Commission to understand the challenges and see how it could Intervene to put the Commission in proper shape to render its oversight responsibilities on the police.
 They also stated that civilian oversight of the police was an indispensable mechanism for promoting transparency, accountability and public trust in law enforcement.
This was as the Nigeria Police Force has expressed grief over the passing of an officer, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Njangor Egbe Njom (Rtd.), who died on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the age of 82.
A statement by Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the House Committee on Police Institutions, Hon. Aliyu Boya, said civilian oversight of the police “is an indispensable  mechanism for promoting transparency  accountability and public trust in law enforcement institutions.
He averred that there was need to strengthen  the Commission’s ability and authority, adding that, to function effectively, there was need to provide adequate budgetary provisions,  legal backing and operational independence for the Commission.
The Committee Chairman said he was aware of the financial challenges the Commission was facing and said he had discussed it with his colleague in the Appropriation Committee.
The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, who received the visiting delegation at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission expressed his happiness at the decision of the Committee to visit the Commission.  
Argungu said the visit was timely and remarkable and appealed for the support of the Committee in ensuring adequate budgetary provision for the Commission.
The PSC Chairman said the constitutional responsibilities of the Commission has suffered due to financial incapacitation, but assured the Committee of the preparedness of the Commission to improve the services of the Nigeria Police Force through credible and efficient oversight.
Meanwhile, a statement by Force Spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the deceased Njom who passed away peacefully in his sleep, was born on March 15, 1942, in Etomi Village, Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State.
“He joined the Nigeria Police Force and rose to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police, earning a reputation for integrity, commitment, and selflessness throughout his career. He was also a one-time commandant of the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano.
“Beyond his professional achievements, AIG Njom was a devoted pastor with the Deeper Life Bible Church, where he continued to serve diligently even after his retirement.
“He was a role model and mentor, impacting countless lives with his staunch principles and compassion. AIG Njom lived an exemplary life of service, dedication, and faith,” Adejobi said.

He said that the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and the entire Nigeria Police Force extend their heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this time of loss.