Senate Confirms DIG Argungu (rtd) as chairman Police Service Commission …task IGP, PSC to work in the interest of the nation

By Iyojo Ameh

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd) as the Honorable Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The red chamber also confirmed the nomination of Chief Onyemuche Nnamani as Secretary to the Commission.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio while confirming their nomination urged the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to stop struggling with the Police Service Commission (PSC) in the interest of the country.

The Senate confirmation was sequel to the report of the Committee on Police Affairs on confirmation of the nominations of the following persons for appointment as chairman, secretary and member of the Police Service Commission.

Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Abdulhamid, Mallam-Madori Ahmed (Jigawa East) urged the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Police Affairs on the confirmation of the nominations of DIG. Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd), (Chairman), Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, (Secretary) and Barr. Fredrick Taiwo Lakanu, (member).

Chairman of Police Committee, Senator Mallam-Madori Ahmed said with the confirmation of members of PSC, the recruitment exercise which was put on hold due to absence oa a board will be brought to a logical conclusion.

Akpabio said “the Committee on Police Affairs should also ensure oversight functions hereafter to avoid the mistakes the yester years, particularly the idea of the office of the Inspector General of Police struggling with the Police Service Commission on its issues of recruitment and thereby retarding the progress of security in the nation.

“In the last two years, we probably would have had additional 20,000 Nigerians into the Nigerian Police Force, but unfortunately, as a result of personality clashes, the issues went as far as the supreme Court.

“Whether withdrawn or not withdrawn, this Police Service Commission we have just cleared today, the office of the inspector-general of police should be cautioned to take the interest of Nigerians into consideration and the security of this nation uppermost and not their personal interest and work harmoniously toward the realisation of Mr. President’s vision that Nigerians should be allowed to sleep with their eyes closed”.