…Says Lack of Legally Constituted Board Raises Alarms over Policing Oversight
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concerns about the legality of recent promotions within the Nigerian Police Force.
HURIWA is worried about the absence of a legally constituted board for the Police Service Commission (PSC), responsible for overseeing promotions, and deems the recent promotions unconstitutional and potentially violating the rule of law.
Of particular concern to HURIWA is the promotion of top-ranking officers, including Adamawa State Police Commissioner Adeniyi Afolabi, who was allegedly implicated in attempts to disrupt the 2023 gubernatorial election in his state. Similarly, Haruna Gabriel Garba’s advancement to Assistant Inspector General (AIG) rank has sparked outrage from HURIWA due to his failure to curb kidnappings as Commissioner of Police in Abuja.
According to Beacon Consulting and media reports on violent attacks, there have been over 87 killings and 176 kidnappings since CP Haruna G. Garba assumed office on May 2nd, 2023. The capital city once considered immune to prevalent security challenges is now grappling with an escalating wave of criminal activities particularly kidnapping.
Under CP Haruna G. Garba’s tenure since May 2023, violent attacks have risen prompting alarm among residents and authorities. Notably between January 2021 and June 2023 alone there were approximately forty recorded cases with two hundred thirty-six victims; from October through December that year thirteen kidnap incidents occurred impacting eighty victims across various areas in Abuja including Gwagwalada Kuje Lugbe Pegi Abaji Keti Kwali.
These incidents underscore a need for enhanced security measures and effective responses towards addressing growing insecurity in FCT while ensuring safety for its residents which raises questions regarding criteria used for these promotions especially promoting someone who couldn’t address security situations like CP Haruna Gabriel Garba promoted from Commissioner Of police To AIG .
In a press statement signed by National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA highlighted its concern that PSC lacks quorum & legally constituted Board . According to Section29(b) Constitution Federal Republic Of Nigeria1999 “Commission shall consist not less than seven or more than nine members” but current composition falls short leaving oversight body non-functional except Chairman Dr Solomon E Arase recently appointed and Hon Chief Onyemuche Nnamani representing South East
HURIWA contended that failure maintain active commission infringes upon citizens constitutional rights policing system adhering rule law referring section155(i)(c) constitution empowering President Senate appoint confirm commission members emphasizing breach constitutional provisions mandating oversight transparency arguing recent police promotion violates principles merit-based advancements within force.
Expressing grave concern over the potential erosion of public trust in the police force, HURIWA hinted at the possibility of challenging the recent promotions in court. The organization stated that the promotions, lacking proper oversight, are tantamount to the police promoting themselves, which undermines the principles of justice and fairness.
Therefore, HURIWA called on the Nigerian government to urgently reconstitute the Police Service Commission Board, ensuring that it is fully representative and capable of performing its critical oversight functions. The organization insisted that the rule of law must prevail, and any breach in the constitutional processes should be rectified to restore confidence in the police force.
As the nation grapples with rising insecurity and criminal activities, HURIWA underscored the importance of a robust and legally constituted oversight mechanism to guide promotions within the police force. The organization asserted that it would remain steadfast in its commitment to upholding the principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
