EXCLUSIVE: Reps Calls For State of Emergency in Police Barracks

The House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs, Thursday added its voice to the clamour over the derelict state of police barracks across the country, calling for a state of emergency by the Federal Government and a total rehaul of the facilities.

The Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Usman Kumo, alongside other committee members made this disclosure during an inspection of Mopol 20 Barracks and Area F Command in Lagos.

Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Kumo said it was not sensible for Nigerians to expect quality and efficient service from the police when they were not being taken care of in terms  of an appropriate accommodation. 

He said, “What we saw today gives cause for worry because human beings who are in charge of the security situation in the country are not being treated well. It is discouraging.

"Something drastic needs to be done to address the situation or else the morale of the Nigeria Police will continue to go low so much that they will not be able provide the required service."

He added, “The facilities in the barracks are dilapidated yet crowded. These facilities have been used for close to 100 years and you expect the psychology of those using it to be normal when discharging their vital responsibilities of curbing crime?

“We are not encouraging them and the government must declare a state of emergency on all barracks. Not only police barracks but those of all security agencies including military and other paramilitary agencies. 

"It is only by giving them the required shelter that we will be able to boost their morale and in turn get the best from them.”

He however commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the quick response given to the Ikeja Police College and the  subsequent renovation, but added that the Nigerian Army shouldn't have been given to contract to rebuild the college.

He said, "When they want to do this sort of renovation, they should give it to the appropriate quarters. In a democratic dispensation, there is no point directing the military to renovate police facilities.

"Again, the police budgetary allocation of N14 billion for the year 2013 was too little. The government did not give the agency top priority."