Lagos lawmaker canvases improved welfare for police

Lawmaker representing Lagos East zone, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, has called on officers of the Nigerian Police Force to cooperate with the new chairman, Nigerian Police Service Commission, former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith to ensure proper and adequate welfare for the establishment.

Ashafa who expressed satisfaction over the confirmation and clearance of the former IG by the senate committee on Wednesday said the appointment of Smith would in no doubt transform for the better the welfare and functions of the security agencies based on his vast experience and exposure.

In a statement, the lawmaker said he is confidence that Smith bring about the necessary reforms needed to transform the police service commission.

He said: “Smith is renowned to have conducted himself professionally at all his duty posts, which endeared him to all law abiding members of the various communities where he served and indeed the entire nation while he served as the Inspector General of Police between 1999 and 2002.”

Ashafa also expressed confidence that Smith would bring his professionalism to bear on his new appointment and thereby ensure that the necessary reforms are instituted in the commission.

He encouraged the rank and file of the police to remain enthusiastic and assured that Smith would continue to put their welfare and regularize the promotion scale of the entire force.

Ashafa commended the work the police is doing and therefore emphasised on the need to provide necessary welfare packages for the officers to encourage them.

Smith replaces former IGP Mike Okiro.