The Commissioner representing the South East in the Police Service Commission (PSC), Chief Onyemuche Nnamani has recommended the creation of a Bureau of Employment and Career Development Unit in each of the five states of the South East zone of the country to compile data of all prospective candidates with the aim of giving them accurate and timely information at all times.
Nnamani who made this recommendation during the Sensitization and Town Hall Forum of the Police Service Commission on Police Recruitment in Nigeria which held in Owerri, the Imo State on Wednesday observed that the Bureau could also prepare some of the candidates for future engagements by the different security arms and by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government.
He said that there was a compelling and urgent need to encourage South East youths to get into the Police and take control of protecting their states.
Chief Nnamani also noted that there is a greater need to encourage bright, brilliant, strong and courageous young boys and girls from the zone to show interest.
He however advised that if the South East want protection and a safe zone in the near future “we must invest in it” adding that “there must be extra benefits, irresistible offers to have the correct people join the Force and in no distant future we will be having the police of our dreams.”
The Commissioner stated that it is disturbing that even the small number of youths interested in making a career in the Force are not usually aware of the entry period nor the conditions required for entry.
“I therefore recommend the creation of a Bureau of Employment and Career Development Unit in each of the five states to compile data of all prospective candidates with the aim of giving them accurate and timely information at all times”, he added.
Chief Nnamani also advised Southeast leaders to make security matters top priority adding “we must have a reward system for performing Police Officers working in the South East states. Secondly, a proper investment will impact on the prestige of the job which invariably will lead to its attractiveness.”
Earlier on, the Commission team in Imo State led by Chief Onyemuche Nnamani was confronted with reasons why the Igbo youths are not attracted to make a career in the Police.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma told the Forum pointedly that the Nigeria Police needed a clean up. The Governor, represented by Dr. Ugorji O. Ugorji, State Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs noted that “if you are in a profession and people are not showing interest or coming in, there is a problem somewhere.”
Senator Uzodinma said the Police urgently needs image laundry, stressing that the civility in any profession defines the profession.
The Governor said the state cannot afford not to pay keen attention to the Nigeria Police saying that he has since made police and policing a priority in the State.
According to him, the State Government has created a Ministry in charge of Homeland Security adding that “the more we achieve with soft power the less we need the hard power.”
The Chairman of the Imo State Traditional Institution and Community Policing, Eze (Dr.) E.C. Okeke, Ezeimo called for improved welfare for the Men and Officers of the Force.
“We need to motivate them, improve their salary and equip them properly for the Organization to attract the best minds”, Eze Dr. Okeke who was represented by the Secretary of the Council, Eze Dr. Lucky Okoro stated.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP. Hussaini Rabiu told the Forum that the lack of interest by the South East was becoming worrisome noting that only 41 applicants turned up on Tuesday in the ongoing screening in three local government Areas of the State.
He noted that “people don’t appreciate what they have until they lose it”, while advising the Igbo youths that they have to start somewhere adding that recruitment was the starting point.
CP Rabiu said the Igbos are marginalizing themselves pointing out that “when you say you don’t want the Police, others will want it.”
He commended the Commission for the initiative stressing that South East States should encourage their youths to join the police.
The Programme was aimed at sensitizing and engaging relevant stakeholders to encourage Nigerian youths especially from the South East zone to join the Nigeria Police Force.
There has been disturbing development from the zone of glaring disinterest of Igbo youths to join the Force.
Send your news, press releases/articles to augustinenwadinamuo@yahoo.com. Also, follow us on Twitter @ptreporters and on Facebook on facebook.com/primetimereporters or call the editor on 07030661526, 08053908817.
