Penpushing Media calls for rehabilitation of dismissed Nigerian Police Officers
Stakeholders under the Penpushing platform have advised the Police Service Commission (PSC), to ensure its rehabilitates the dismissed officers of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), so that they would not constitute a very dangerous burden and threat to the society.
Penpushing reports that, the stakeholders gave the advice in a communique issued and endorsed by the editorial board after an exhaustive discussion on the decision of the commission to sack the erring officers.
The communique agreed that the dismissal is a welcome development in the process of cleansing the rot in the Nigeria Police Force, but however, cautioned that such policemen to be dismissed should be given fair hearing before being booted out.
‘The dismissed policemen should not just be thrown out to the society they should be rehabilitated so that they would not constitute a very dangerous burden and threat to the society’, the stakeholders said.
Penpushing also reports that, the stakeholders unanimously agreed that if the Nigerian government is determined to cleanse and reform the police, policemen found to have violated the human rights of citizens through extortion, brutality, extra judicial killings and framing of citizens must not be retained in the force under any guise.
The communique argued that using some of the officers as scapegoats would send a strong positive message that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) does not condone unethical and unprofessional practices.
Penpushing reports that, beyond dismissing those found to have misused their positions and arms against innocent citizens, members also called for diligent and comprehensive prosecution in the courts for appropriate sentences against such morally deficient and unprofessional officers.
‘The Penpushing discussants were also of the firm opinion that no one should entertain any fear that the dismissed officers might turn the trainings they had had in the force into crimes and criminality against the society’.
The communique added that a reformed, well – motivated, well – trained and well – equipped police force would be able to quell any such threat the few dismissed officers could pose to the nation.
The stakeholders agreed that punishing erring officers through the courts would constitute vital justice for the numerous victims of their extortion, brutality, extra judicial killings and consequently calm down tension in the society.
Penpushing further reports that, the communique said the expected reform of the police force should cover the command and control units of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), pointing out that many of the erring officers had collaborators in their superiors who always looked away whenever they go against the force’s Standard Operating Procedures.
The communique, therefore, suggested that proper investigation would also expose some superior officers who might have compromised their supervisory roles and acted as accomplices in the crimes committed by their subordinates.
Penpushing also reports that, the stakeholders recommended that proper and adequate funding of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) would reduce the negative tendencies to go against the law, stressing that this should be done through an enhanced salary structure, other welfare packages, up – to – date training, merit – driven promotions and up – to – date equipment.
The Penpushing on recruitment said the process should be well – structured such that good morals are inculcated by the trainers into the recruits right from the Police College instead of the current corporal treatment induced training.
Penpushing reports that, participants on the protest against operations of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) expressed hope that it will positively impact on governance and management not only in the police force but generally in the polity.
The communique commended the unsung heroes in the police force who inspite of all challenges have remained patriotic and humane in the discharge of their duties.
