February 06 (THEWILL) – The Police Commissioner in Kano State, Muhammad Usaini Gumel, has inaugurated the state’s Police Duty Solicitors Scheme Advisory Committee, expressing commitment to the promotion of a Justice System that is accessible, transparent and fair to all.
Gumel, who inaugurated the body at the Police Officers’ Mess, Bompai, Kano, on Tuesday, said the event “marked a significant step in our commitment to the effective implementation of this Scheme.”
He said the initiative was encapsulated in Force Order No. 20 as amended, which stood as a crucial component of the ongoing reform programme of the Nigeria Police Force.
“This giant stride is to reaffirm the commitment to upholding justice, fairness and the rule of law for the good of all people in Nigeria.
“The establishment of this committee is a testament to the current NPF leadership of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM and the resolve to the unwavering dedication to ensuring that every person’s rights are protected and upheld, in all aspects of their interactions and contact with the law”, he said.
The commissioner said the provision of legal advice and representation to those in need was a fundamental right and also a cornerstone of a just and equitable society.
He said the occasion was in recognition of the importance of the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme and to discuss the overall objectives of the efforts law enforcement was providing to the reforms as envisioned by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM and by extension, the Federal Government.
“Going forward, this Police Command has organized several trainings on the provisions of F.O. Order 20 as well as the Kano State ACJL, 2019 for our field commanders including all Departmental Heads, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPO), to be conversant and dynamic with the laws guiding their duties.
“The duty solicitors scheme being launched today with its advisory committee will no doubt play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of individuals who may find themselves in challenging legal situations,” he said.
He said the duty of the Committee was to serve as the vital link in this collaborative effort, fostering understanding and cooperation for the overall enhancement of the administration of justice.
“Their knowledge, expertise, and dedication will play a pivotal role in shaping and refining the implementation of the scheme and ensuring that no person is left without access to legal counsel when facing legal proceedings.
“As we inaugurate this committee, we are reaffirming our commitment to promoting a justice system that is accessible, transparent and fair to all.
“On this note, the importance of collaboration between the Police, legal professionals, rights organisations and the community is a priority to us collectively towards achieving this goal,” he said.
The commissioner listed members of the committee as follows: The Director-General Special Services, Government House, Kano, the Attorney-General/Commissioner of Justice Ministry of Justice, Kano, the Chief Judge, High Court of Justice, Kano State and the Chairman Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission.
Others, he said, were the State Coordinator and Legal Aid Council. The State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission, the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Kano State Chapter, the Zonal Coordinator, Police Service Commission, Kano, the State Coordinator, National Orientation Agency (NOA), the State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Kano State and the Controller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Kano State Command.
About the Author
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
