The United Kingdom and United States led delegations to the Police Service Commission on a courtesy visit that is seen as an epic intelligence gathering and encounter. The delegation was led by Chris Grimson of the National Agency Anti- Kidnap and Extortion Unit(AKEU) of the United Kingdom and Jason A. Smith, Director International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the United States respectfully. The gentlemen were received by the Police Service Commission Chairman, Dr Solomon E Arase CFR at the Corporate Headquarters, Jabi Abuja.
The Spokeperson for the Police Service Commission, Mr Ikechukwu Ani has reported . The Head of Press, Media and Publicity of the Commission highlighted the significant of the strong United Kingdom and United States delegations to the Police Service Commission.
During the visit, the delegations promised to assist the Commission reduce Human Rights violations drastically having sighted the newly established Compliance Monitoring Unit (CMU) , it should be recalled that, the functional tracking hub is a brainchild of Dr Solomon Arase and the purpose is to take proper record on public complaints against serving Nigeria Police Officers to maintain decorum and address issues professionally to meet modern ethic standard of policing on rights abuses.
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr Arase responded that Nigerians are obligated to the fact that a responsible Nigeria Police Force is achievable that will conform with the norms of modern policing hence the set up of the Compliance Monitoring Unit CMU charge with the responsibility of rights protection and sanction of erring police officers can never be overemphasize. He stressed further that the Leadership of the PSC and the Nigeria Police Force are united to achieve the homogenic purpose of a better policing.
The Chairman assured the delegations that there’s absolute trust in the rules of engagement and there’s smooth synergy that wouldn’t entertain any lacuna between the PSC and the Police highest Command in the country on the operation of the Compliance Monitoring Unit (CMU). He registered his displeasure at pre-trial detention by Police and pledges that such will be done specifically under the ambit of the law.
“He declared that the Commission wants to track complaints against Police stressing that any Officer who has pending human rights cases will not be cleared for promotions or postings. ” Any Officer who has human rights issues not conclusively investigated by the Police Complaints Unit will be stepped down from promotion and postings” He called for assistance in the provision of more systems for the CMU as the Commission anticipates several complaints against the Police as the Unit takes shape” .
“Dr. Smith, leader of the United States Delegation said they are in Nigeria to assist strengthen the rule of law and especially the Police. He noted that PSC is a key stakeholder in their project to strengthen the rule of law in Nigeria and promised to work with the Commission to achieve this” , the US delegations stated categorically the purpose of their visit to Nigeria”. While the British counterparts pledged to partner with the PSC on training of personnel, intelligence sharing among others. Mr Ikechukwu Ani has said in the press released sighted by Aiyekooto Reporters.
