From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), has called for gender sensitivity and balance in the management of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
Argungu, who made the call when he received a delegation of the gender policy team from the Nigeria Police Force, reiterated the need for gender sensitivity and balance in the recruitment and distribution of responsibilities in the police.
PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, in a statement, said Argungu further explained that the diversity and disparity of human nature must be recognised in every aspect of human life to ensure successful human endeavour.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force for taking the bold step towards institutional transformation and assured the delegation of the Commission’s full support in aligning its recruitment, discipline, and promotion procedures with the principles outlined in the policy.
The PSC Chairman also emphasised the importance of creating a police institution that reflects equity, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
The leader of the NPF Gender Policy team, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Aishatu Abubakar Baju, during her presentation, highlighted the rationale for the revised edition of the gender policy for the NPF, noting that the new policy will ensure that the NPF as an institution and police officers can better appreciate the heterogeneous nature, particularly the broad range of needs and interests of their target population.
“The Police Force has the mandate to protect all interests and groups, including women and other vulnerable groups, and not just those of the most visible and privileged groups in society,” she said.
She further stated that the overall goal of the policy is to promote and protect human rights, social justice, and equity; eliminate all forms of gender-based discriminatory laws, regulations, and practices within the NPF; and ensure that the Police Force, as a major security organ of government, is able to effectively deal with gender-based violence and sexual abuse within the larger Nigerian society and also within the Force.
The AIG also stressed that childbearing should be regarded as a national service because, in the process of procreating and its concomitant struggles, women tend to be negatively impacted in their career progression.
Justice Paul Adamu Galumje JSC (Rtd), the Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission, in his brief remarks at the ceremony, noted that justice is not served ‘a la carte’. He maintained that gender issues should be guided by the principles of natural justice and equality.
Justice Galumje also stressed that women have a lot to do and that society should stop discriminating against them. He said, “There are no laws in the country that discriminate against women.”
Also speaking, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), Commissioner representing the Police in the Commission, applauded the AIG for a job well done. He said she has started well and promised that the Commission will not falter in giving all the necessary support to the police efforts on gender policy.
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