Reps Move To Remove ‘force’ From Police

A bill to alter the 1999 Constitution to remove the word ‘Force’ from the Nigeria Police Force passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

The objective of the bill is to delete the word ‘Force’ so that it will read ‘Nigeria Police.’

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the bill was unanimously adopted by the House when put to vote by Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.www.mannastores.com

Leading debate on the general principles of the bill, Mr. Jagaba Adams (PDP-Kaduna), argued that there was the need to remove the word ‘Force’ from the Nigeria Police.

According to him, a name affects the behaviour of people and this could be the reason the police use force most times.

“A name constitutes so much, name definitely attracts attention,” he said and urged his colleagues to support the passage of the bill.

Mr. Yakubu Balogun (ACN-Lagos), who supported the bill, said the word ‘Force’ should be expunged from the Nigeria Police.

Mr. Arua Arunsi (PDP -Abia) in his contribution, said the word ‘Force’ was not in tandem with the saying that, “The police is your friend.”

Emmanuel Jime (PDP -Benue) and Eddie Mbadiwe (APGA-Imo), all spoke in favour of the bill.

The Speaker, however, referred the bill to the special Ad hoc Committee on Constitution Review for more legislative input.