Police Recruitment: Reps Query IGP Over N8bn Facility To Upgrade Training Schools

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Wednesday, April 20th, 2016

Ayodele Afolabi, Abuja

BALTIMORE, MD (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Members of the House of Representatives have launched an investigation into the planned expenditure of N8 billion in upgrading police training schools for the ongoing recruitment of 10,000 officers.

The move might also extend to summon of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase to shed more light on the planned expenditure.

In addition, the lawmakers said they will x-ray the utilization of N10 billion in the course of fighting insecurity and other crimes in the country by the Nigerian Police.

This followed a motion on a matter of urgent importance, sponsored by Rep Johnbull Shekarau (PDP, Plateau) who said ever since the release of N8 billion by the President to upgrade the school, nothing has changed from their known conditions.

It is worrisome, that “until date, the Police Training Colleges are still in dilapidated condition and infested with rodents, not conducive for the effective training of police recruits.

“The Police Service Commission, whose jurisdiction it is to organize the recruitment have commenced the processes of recruitment without the corresponding preparation by the Nigeria Police Force.”

On the N10 billion expenditure to fight insecurity, Rep Shekarau told the House that it appears the allocation has not yet made any impact in the area of tackling kidnapping, murders and other crimes in all parts of the country.

“There are not enough equipment and surveillance cameras deployed by the IG to accelerate the reduction of violent crimes in the country,” he challenged.

Consequently, the House, after some contributions from members, adopted the motion and asked its police affairs committee to conduct a holistic probe regarding the two sums within two weeks.