Akpabio Vows Support for Police Overhaul and Rewards for Officers
UYO — The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has reiterated the National Assembly’s dedication to offering the required legislative support for updating obsolete laws and fostering police reforms and professionalism.
During the induction and strategic management session of the Police Service Commission (PSC) board, which took place on Monday in Ikot Ekpene, Akpabio emphasized the importance of establishing principles such as merit, discipline, and integrity within the ranks of the Nigerian Police Force.
Representing the Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin proposed implementing a recognition program to honor exceptional police personnel. He emphasized that reforms should boldly challenge the deeply ingrained established norms.
"In Nigeria, we need to start prioritizing competence over incompetence, discipline over nepotism, and honesty over impudence. Real change demands bold disruptions. Similarly, in Singapore, the evolution of the police force was based on rigorous hiring criteria, transparent advancement processes, and strict accountability." He stated.
Emphasizing the significance of shifting public opinion, he encouraged the PSC to implement strategies that recast law enforcement from "perpetrators into guardians," ensuring they administer justice instead of just imposing penalties. Akpabio further suggested adopting community-oriented policing approaches, taking cues from nations such as Japan and Finland, which emphasize compassion, dispute settlement, and local involvement.
He additionally suggested creating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for officers, enhancing technology usage within law enforcement, and implementing performance-driven incentive programs.
As he stated, "A police officer who declines a bribe might go back home with an emptiness felt within today, yet they should never leave devoid of hope. Hope that ultimately, upholding honesty will grant rewards much more substantial than the transient benefits found in corrupt practices. It is essential for us to honor and promote a culture of recognition over one of criticism."
Akpabio affirmed that the National Assembly stands ready to collaborate with the PSC through revising obsolete laws, endorsing crucial reforms, and offering strong oversight to establish a competent, citizen-focused police service.
Acknowledging the challenges facing the Nigerian Police; including funding deficits, outdated training models, low morale, corruption, and public distrust, the Senate President urged the PSC board members to leave a lasting legacy.
He underscored that their role was not just an honor but a duty to overhaul the system and rebuild public confidence.
He stated, 'The police should not be viewed as a tool for coercion but rather as a mechanism for fostering trust, delivering justice, and providing public service.'
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