Senate Passes Bill Extending Tenure of Inspector-General of Police
The Senate has approved a bill amending the Police Act to allow an Inspector-General of Police to serve until the end of their appointed term.
Presented by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele of APC, Ekiti Central, the bill was initially read, scaled through second reading, and subsequently passed after its third reading.
In his lead debate on the general principles of the bill, Senator Bamidele said, “Mr. President, Distinguished colleagues, I humbly rise to lead the debate on the general principles of this Bill.
“The Bill was read for the First Time today, 23rd July 2024.
“Mr. President, my dear Colleagues, this Act seeks to enable a person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment.
“The Bill aims to revolutionize police operation by enhancing accountability, modernizing policing method and fostering a more harmonious relationship between the police and the community.”
“Accordingly, I hereby urge you all to support the quick passage.
In the Provisions of the bill which is Amendment of the Nigeria Police Act and after a committee of the whole, the Senate retained the following:” The Nigeria Police Act, 2020 (“Principal Act”) is amended as set out in this Bill.
“Amendment of Section 18. Section 18 of the Principal Act is amended by inserting a new subsection (8A);
In his lead debate, Senator Bamidele emphasized the bill’s aim to enhance police operations by promoting accountability, modernizing policing methods, and fostering better community-police relations.
