The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Dr Reuben Abati, confirmed this development to State House correspondents after the meeting of the council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, the IGP, now facing a storm of criticisms over his illegal act in withdrawing the policemen guarding the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has now been admitted into the Police Council by virtue of his new appointment.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state, who also spoke on the outcome of the meeting, said the council confirmed the appointment of Abba because of his good credentials.
He, however, advised the I-G to always be fair and just while performing his responsibilities.
“I’m clear that the I-G must see Nigeria for what it is; it is a multi-party democracy; he must act according to the police law not according to the police convenience; these are my personal views.
“And the fact that he has been confirmed does mean if he doesn’t play according to the rules I have not forfeited my right to revise my position.
“So for now we are unanimous that based on his pedigree that Malam Abba has what it takes to reposition the police,’’ he said
In a brief interaction with State House correspondents, Abba said his confirmation was comforting but “comes with huge responsibility’’.
“I must tell you this is a happy moment but is also a moment of sober reflection.
“Reflection on the responsibilities, on expectations; certainly I have to work hard to ensure that I meet up with the expectations of the office.
“Truly Nigerians and in fact all people in Nigeria deserve the best from us so that we make the environment safer and secure.
“I assure you, having reflected on all these we will ensure that we manage all the resources in the charge of the Nigerian police to ensure they are used judiciously for the safety and security of Nigeria.’’
Abba was appointed acting IG by President Goodluck Jonathan on Aug. 1, 2014, as successor to Muhammed Abubakar, who retired after 35 years of public service on July 31.
The 55 year old new IG from Gwaram Local Government area of Jigawa State, was born on March 22, 1959, and has degrees in History and Law.
He enlisted in the Nigerian Police as Cadet Inspector on Dec. 31, 1984, and was promoted to Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) on Feb. 22, 2012.
He had at various times, served as Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, FCT Command, Deputy Force Secretary and Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.
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A committee of wise Nigerians met to review the Nigerian constitution and they failed to abolish Nigeria's Federal Police Force. In Nigeria the local police chief does not report to the local government council but to the commissioner at the state headquarters who in turn reports to Abuja. If Abuja is unhappy with an "errant state" they manipulate police and security operatives in the state. If the governor is unhappy with a local government chairman, he befriends the police commissioner and they lower the boom. In return for police cooperation the governor looks the other wayv while they both stuff their pockets. While both are busy stuffing their pockets, the local police preys on public. After all they don't report to the people. How can you have a guard who reports attempted incursions on your property to your neighbor.
In America, the police force of a city say Mushin is funded by the people of Mushin. That force is made up of Mushin residents who know the hot spots and where trouble makers hang out. The police chief together with its district Attorney are the law enforcers in Mushin. If you come to Mushin and shot a bald eagle you will be prosecuted regardless that you are the commander of the mechanized division in Yaba. They enforce Federal and state laws and ordinances in the city. Both are elected and if they fail to perform, they are voted out. If crime becomes intractable or injustice is rampant, they are fired. In short they are accountable to the people. They cooperate with FESTAC city police and Oyingbo Police etc but within the city of Mushin they are the law bar none and they account to the people of Mushin.
A federal police force was beneficial for the colonial masters for purpose of policing natives who had no say in their own security. A federal force is beneficial to whoever controlled the power at the center because it facilitated the muscling of opposition and abuse of power. It also created fertile climate for corruption because the only people who are accountable are those with no power to exercise.
Until Nigeria abolishes Federal Police and replaces it with autonomous city police there will be no security nor justice in Nigeria.