The amendment of Police Act to subject to subject the confirmation of Inspector General of Police to Senate confirmation has been rejected by Ibrahim Idris, the Inspector General of Police.
Idris told the lawmakers at the public hearing Police bill that the amendment is tend to politicise the office of Inspector General of Police.
He also rejected the proposal in the bill for singular Deputy Inspector General of Police against the existing seven Deputy Inspector General of Police in the country saying the amendment is retrogressive.
He said,” the view that the requirement for confirmation of the Senate for the appointment and removal of the Inspector General of Police in office will tend to politicise the office of the Inspector General of Police.
“This will disadvantage the police in its efforts to fight crime and criminality in the society. It is therefore suggested that the requirement for confirmation for the appointment and removal of the Inspector General of Police be expunged from the bill as it will make police less professional in its operations.
He added, “it should be noted that the police currently has seven Deputy Inspector General of Police. This arrangement has reduced the work load of the Inspector General of Police and makes the force more effective and efficient. To therefore reduce the number of the Deputy Inspector General of Police to one will be retrogressive. ”
He said that the appointment of the Inspector General of Police Council without the Senate confirmation is the desire of the police and should be made to remain that way.
According to him, the inclusion of removal procedures of the Inspector General of Police which requires that an Inspector General of Police should not be removed from office except on the report of gross misconduct or on the ground of incapacity to perform his duties is appropriate and should also be maintained.
