Reps Reject Police Trust Fund Bill

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The House of Representatives in Abuja on Tuesday rejected a bill seeking the establishment of the Nigeria Police Reform Trust Fund.

The bill seeks to establish a trust fund to make more money available to the police for its operations.

Members unanimously voted against the bill when the Deputy Speaker, Mr Emeka Ihedioha, who presided put it to vote.

The Majority Leader, who led the debate, Rep. Mulikat Akande-Adeola (PDP-Oyo), said the fund was necessary to enhance operations of the police.

The Minority Leader, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila (ACN-Lagos), said it was unconstitutional to compel state governments to contribute to the proposed fund.

“I support the bill but I have problem with some components of the bill,’’ he said.

He said that though the fund was important, it would be out of place to have the fund and at the same time continue to appropriate fund to the police in the budget.

Rep. Asita Honourable (PDP-Rivers), who spoke against the bill, said the proposed bill had shown that the Federal Government could no longer fund the police.

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He urged the Federal Government to decentralise the police, while calling on the house to put a hold on the passage of the bill until the ongoing constitution review is concluded to avoid duplication.

“It is dangerous to pass this bill. Let us wait until the constitution amendment is concluded,” he said, advising members to look beyond the good intention of the bill.

Patrick Ikhariale (PDP-Edo) stressed the need to always have resources for the police when the need arises.

According to him, when established, the fund would boost the morale of the police.

The Deputy Majority Leader, Leo Ogor (PDP-Delta), said the fund would equip the police to face challenges ahead of it.

He said the fund was necessary because of the change in security worldwide.

Farouk Lawan (PDP-Kano) said the lack of capacity had been responsible for the inability of the police to combat crimes in the country.

Meanwhile, the House has passed a bill for an Act to amend the Court of Appeal Act, 2005. The bill seeks to increase the number of the Justices from 70 to 90.

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