Saraki reiterates Senate’s commitment to passage of Police Reform Bill

The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has reiterated
Senate’s commitment to fast-tracking passage of the Nigerian Police
Reform Bill.

Saraki gave the assurance in a statement by his Special
Assistant on New Media, Mr Olu Onemola, on Tuesday.

He said that the passage of the Bill would help to create a more
responsive and efficient Police institution for all Nigerians,
particularly with current security challenges.

“Guaranteeing the safety of the lives and property of Nigerians
remains a fundamental concern for all members of the 8th
Senate.

“As the representatives of Nigerians, all senators agree that
there is a need to make our Police more responsive and effective to
meet our security demands.

“In putting together the updated version of the Police Reform
Bill, we have consulted widely, involving serving and former
members of the Nigerian Police Force, private sector, members of
the civil society and legal experts.

“These consultations have been done in a bid to ensure that this
Bill is not only comprehensive in its coverage, but effective in
building stronger institutional guidelines for our police,” he
said.

The president of the senate also noted that the bill was aimed
at amending the existing framework between the Police Service
Commission and the Nigeria Police Force.

He added that the bill would create community police fora at the
state level to ensure closer oversight and participatory policing
by the public.

He also said that the bill would ensure divisional and state
police boards, which would be responsible for maintaining
partnerships, promoting communication and building cooperation
between communities and the police.

“These new incorporation to the bill touch on issues that will
address the professionalism that should be enforced in the Nigeria
Police Force.

“This is why it is our fervent hope that by the end of November,
Nigerians across the country will be able to celebrate the passage
of this bill.

“Our determination to fast-track work on the bill informed the
recent decision to change the chairmanship of the Senate Committee
on Police Affairs.

“The mandate given to the new leadership is to ensure that the
bill which has passed second reading stage quickly goes through
public hearing and committee stages so that we can pass it in the
next few weeks,” Saraki said.