A bill to amend the Police Act 2004 which prescribes a five-year tenure for the Inspector General of Police has passed through the second reading in the Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Halliru Jika, enjoyed the support of some senators when it was presented during Thursday’s plenary.

According to Senator Jika, the amendment is to allow more time for the police boss to effect meaningful changes in the police and improve efficiency in the force.

The bill which repeals the Police Act 2004 and enacts the Police Act 2019, also provides for the establishment of Community Police Forums and Boards by the Commissioner of Police of each state, which is expected to be made up of representatives of the police and the local community.

In his contribution, Senator James Manager highlighted the importance of the bill, saying it has captured everything about community policing.

“It must be very holistic and everything we have been talking about is all in this bill.

“Whatever the military can do, the police force can certainly do. What is lacking is the necessary funding and deployment of equipment,” the lawmaker said.

Senator Bala Na’allah, on his part, is hopeful that the bill would work and if it works, the country will benefit from the structure.

He also urged the Senate to assist the nation by fast-tracking the passage of the bill and ensure it was passed into law.

After the lawmakers deliberated on the bill, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, referred it to the Committee on Police Affairs.

The committee was asked to report back to the Senate within four weeks.

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