Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Chairman of Police Service Commission, Hashimu Argungu, says the commission is seriously concerned about the abuse of office by some security personnel detailed to provide security across Nigeria and the South-East region in particular.
The Chairman said this in Enugu at the opening of the South-East Stakeholders Summit on Peace and Security organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in partnership with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
He said the commission was aware of high level of insecurity in the zone arising from the ceaseless and senseless attacks by brainwashed youths, who masquerade as freedom fighters and killing their brothers and sisters.
“But that obviously should not and can never be an excuse to relapse into corruption by the security agencies
“The commission has continued to observe the corruption and extortion that dot all the roads traversing this region by virtually all the security operatives who are supposed to safeguard the roads and restore unhindered movement of people, goods and services
“The road blocks mounted by these security agencies have unfortunately turned into toll gates where road users are forced under gunpoint to part with money.
“The Commission is also aware of the serious human rights violations by some misguided Police Officers in the South-East, who against the commission’s several warnings to stay away from civil matters have continued to swim in it because of the financial attraction
“The commission has severally warned that Police Officers should stay clear of land matters, debt and rent collection, marital disputes and other civil matters and allow the courts to do their duties.
“But we have discovered that the allure of filthy money has become their albatross as they have continued to perpetuate this evil act.
“We know that some even go to the extent of twisting a mere land matter to threaten life, giving the case a different colouration.
“The Commission is also aware that most times, these disgruntled Police Officers write these petitions for these people they want to extort money from and will later come to the Office to pose as judges trying to resolve matters.
“The Commission hereby warns that it will no longer tolerate this serious act of indiscipline and human rights abuses and will henceforth not hesitate to put its disciplinary processes in motion to see to the dismissal of such errant officers
“The South-East must be freed of these gangs of Policemen who have found it difficult to work within approved boundaries,” Argungu said.
The PSC chairman, however, solicited the cooperation and support of the Nigeria Bar Association and the Civil Society Organisations in the South-East in this battle to restore peace and security in the zone and to ensure that human rights of citizens are protected and respected.
“I have always identified with the Nigeria Bar Association not just because I am a Lawyer but because I believe the Association has a lot of roles to play in the sustenance of the nation’s nascent democracy and the protection of the inalienable human and fundamental rights of the citizens.
“Nigeria, especially the South-East, needs peace and security and I must also salute the innovative and digital Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah for the transformative governance that he has brought to the state especially in the area of security.
“I am aware that Enugu State has redeemed itself from the Monday sit-at-home that had crippled the economy of the State and other south-East states.
“I am also aware of his support for the Nigeria Police Force and other security Organisations in the State in the area of provision of vehicles and security gadgets.
“Your Excellency, the Police Service Commission is proud of you and will always stand by you as we collectively fight this war to comprehensively free the zone of banditry, crime and criminality and other emerging security menace in the South-East of Nigeria.
“The Commission is very much interested in what is happening here today especially as it affects the entire South-East.”
Argungu promised that the Police Service Commission will continue to partner with the Organisers to see to the birth of a new Nigeria where the rule of law prevails.
