The House of Representatives has  turned down a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Police Act, Cap. P19, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The legislation also seeks to enact the Nigeria Police Bill, 2019 to Provide for the framework for the Police Service and ensure cooperation and partnership between the Police and communities.

The collaboration was aimed at ensuring the maintenance of peace and combating crime.

The lawmakers rejected the bill because of certain anomalies like the appointment of the Inspector General of Police.

They also faulted the Senate version of the legislation which seeks to reduce the numbers of assistant inspectors – generals of police from seven to one.

Hon. Mohammed Monguno moved for the Second Reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Edward Pwajok.

In leading the debate, Monguno stated that the Bill was transmitted from the Senate seeking concurrence.

He said the legislation aims among other things, to promote community peace, maintain best democratic practice of policing.

He also stated that the Senate in its wisdom passed the bill so that policing would respect the fundamental human rights of citizens.

Pwajok also stated that many provisions of the existing Police Act suffice and he didn’t see the need to altogether repeal it, instead of amending it.

Hon. Lawal Abubakar while contributing, stated that some of the provisions of the proposed bill are inconsistent with what is obtained in the constitution.

He also said the bill smacks of manipulation unless the constitution is adequately amended to suit it.

Hon. Yussuff Lasun agreed with the submissions of Pwajok and Abubakar and stated that the intended Bill may end up creating more confusion than it aims to cure.

He stated that even though the Bill comes from the Senate; the House needs to be careful in adopting it despite the rules of concurrence.

He expressed sadness that simple amendments in the committee of the whole may not suffice to cure the ills of the Bill.

The Speaker ruled against the passage of the bill for third reading because members through voice, shut it down.

The Punch