Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
A Non governmental organization,
Rule of Law And Empowerment Initiative also known as Partners West Nigeria, (PWAN), has stressed the need for both the public and the media to understand their rights and responsibilities under the 2020 police act and the expected conduct of police officers.
The Executive Director of PWAN, Kemi Okenyodo, stated this on Thursday at a Media Townhall Meeting on Human Rights, the Police Act 2020, and Regulations at Grand Pela Hotel and Suites, Durumi, Abuja
PWAN is a non-governmental organization dedicated to enhancing citizens’ participation and improving security governance in Nigeria and West Africa broadly, which achieved through the Rule of Law, Citizens Security, and CSO strengthening Programme Areas.
PWAN with support from the UK Integrated Security Fund of the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) is implementing the project titled “Enhancing Police Governance: Deepening Understanding of the Police Act 2020 and Regulations Across Nigeria specifically in Kano, Plateau, Borno, Edo, Lagos, Enugu states, and the FCT.
According to her, the project seeks to address critical gaps in the understanding and application of the Police Act 2020 and accompanying regulations within the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).
She noted that the meeting also seeks to educate the public and specifically the media organizations about the Police Act 2020, its impact on police-citizen interactions, and media reporting.
Speaking further, Kemi Okenyodo said “This meeting is an essential step to strengthening trust, transparency, and accountability between law enforcement and the community.
“Today’s townhall meeting serves as an opportunity for us to:Unpack the critical provisions of the Police Act 2020 and its innovations. Explore the role of the media in fostering responsible and rights-based reporting on sensitive issues like arrests, stop-and-search, and profiling and discuss actionable strategies to bridge gaps in understanding and implementation of the Act across Nigeria.
“This meeting is an essential step to strengthening trust, transparency, and accountability between law enforcement and the community.
“Today’s townhall meeting serves as an opportunity for us to Unpack the critical provisions of the Police Act 2020 and its innovations.Explore the role of the media in fostering responsible and rights-based reporting on sensitive issues like arrests, stop-and-search, and profiling.
“Discuss actionable strategies to bridge gaps in understanding and implementation of the Act across Nigeria.
“As we proceed, I encourage you all to actively engage in the discussions and share your perspectives. I am confident that the insights and knowledge gained here will empower us all to head in the right direction.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our funder, the UK Integrated Security Fund of the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), for their partnership and support of this initiative.I wish you all a successful and impactful training.Once again, on behalf of the Board, Management, and Staff of PWAN, I welcome you to this media town hall meeting. Thank you.