By Jennifer Njoku
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday dissolved the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the recovery of public property (SPIP) as currently constituted with Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla as Chairman.
Allegations of sleaze against Obono-Obla, led to his recent suspension, leaving the panel without a chair.
Apparently disappointed with the performance of the Police especially with heightened security challenges across the country, the President called on the Police Service Commission (PSC) to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the NPF delivers on its responsibilities.
Recall that the Police Service Commission and the Police Force have been at loggerhead over who should be responsible for recruitment of fresh personnel into the Force.
With the dissolution of the panel, Buhari has directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to immediately take over all outstanding investigations and other activities of the SPIP.
Recall that the panel was established in August 2017 by the then Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN to investigate specifically mandated cases of corruption, abuse of office and similar offences by public officers.
The President looks forward to receiving the final Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) report on the ongoing investigations of the dissolved panel’s Chairman
While also speaking in another statement as signed on his behalf (President Buhari) by Mr. Femi Adesina, Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the 2018 Annual Report of the PSC, Buhari admitted: “The commission has the most challenging responsibility of carrying out oversight responsibilities of the Police Force.
“The people that comprise this commission are mostly personally known to me and some of them have been through the mill as it were, therefore I expect them to put the Police in order. I personally believe that the Inspector General, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, is doing his best …the Police are always in the frontline and unless we get the police working effectively, the security of this country will remain in doubt.”
By the mandate of the commission, the task of appointment, promotion and disciplinary control of officers of the Nigerian Police Force, except the IG, fall under it.
President Buhari said: “Your assignment is enormous and calls for sacrifice and commitment especially now that almost every country is faced with severe internal security challenges. Nigeria is no exception.”
The President however praised the commission for new ideas introduced into the workings of the Force, adding: “I am aware that you have put policies in place to reposition the Force in the areas of merit-driven promotion and prompt disciplinary actions. Government will require that you redouble your efforts and ensure that the Force receives the required assistance for optimum service delivery.”
He also called on the commission to ensure harmonious working relationship with the Police Force.
“I wish to see close communication and understanding between you and the Nigeria Police. This is necessary for the overall efficiency and effectiveness in securing the country,” said the President.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Musiliu Smith, in a courtesy to the president said PSC was gradually putting together a productive Force, which will attract the endorsement of all Nigerians and also receive the acclaim of the policemen themselves.
He also requested for the intervention of the President in overcoming the funding constrains of the Commission as well as securing better office accommodation.