By Dele Ogbodo
Nigeria Security and Justice Adviser, West Africa Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court
and Honourable Commissioner/Member of the Police Service Commission (PSC), on Friday stated that Nigeria does not have accurate data on the number of police officers across the country.
According to her, this situation has affected the oversight functions of the Commission.
Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, the Spokesperson and Head of Media for the Commission in a statement made available to SHARPEDGENews, while quoting the commissioner said:
“Speaking while receiving a delegation from the British High Commission led by Sonia Maidar, Nigeria Security and Justice Adviser, West Africa Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner/Member of the Commission, said funding has remained the greatest challenge of the Commission.
“Justice Ogunbiyi noted that the Commission has since produced a 5-year strategic plan and is desirous to build a data base of the Police so as to effectively and efficiently discharge its constitutional responsibilities of appointment, promotion and disciplinary control of the Police.”
Resolving very quickly, human rights abuses of Nigerians by the Police which had continued to worsen, she said, will not only rekindle confidence but will also help the nation’s democratic evolution.
To achieve this, Ogunbiyi, noted that the Commission will need funds to be able to provide the required infrastructure such as a data base to effectively monitor the career and actions of these Police Officers.
According to her, the PSC is committed to a quick resolution of human rights abuses by the Police, adding that this is to rekindle confidence in Nigerians that the Police is not above the law and must be accountable for its actions or inactions.
This is coming even as the commission on Thursday sought the partnership and assistance of the British High Commission in ensuring that this assignment is a success.
Earlier the leader of delegation, Mrs. Maider said the British High Commission through the fund is working to support police reform in the country.
She said the delegation was in the Commission for an introductory meeting to listen and hear from the Commission, its challenges in the course of carrying out its oversight responsibilities.