“We Can’t Continue to Rubber-Stamp Everything,” Oshiomhole Tells Colleagues as He Rejects PSC Institute Bill

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has voiced strong opposition to a bill proposing the establishment of a training institute for the Police Service Commission (PSC), warning that the Senate should not act as a “rubber stamp” for creating redundant institutions. The bill, titled Police Service Commission Training Institute (Establishment) Bill, 2025, was introduced during Thursday’s plenary session by Senator Yunus Akintunde, representing Oyo Central, on behalf of Senator Abdulhamid Mallam-Madori, chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North and is a former governor and labour leader, questioned the necessity of setting up a training institute for a commission with limited staff and scope. He argued that the country should focus on strengthening the Nigeria Police Force rather than building institutions for regulatory bodies. “This house can’t rubber stamp everything, Mr President, Sir,” Oshiomhole said. “We have to be careful over multiplications and duplications of institutions that will add no value whatsoever.”

He challenged the logic behind the bill, asking how many people the PSC actually employs, aside from commissioners, and why there should be a dedicated institute for their training. He also recalled past government actions that merged or abolished such commissions, pointing out that the Ministry of Police Affairs already exists and fulfills some overlapping functions. “This country should invest in training police men and women, not the Police Service Commission,” he stated.

Responding to Oshiomhole’s concerns, Senator Akintunde clarified that the PSC remains a constitutionally recognized body and was never abolished in favor of the Ministry of Police Affairs. He explained that the proposed training institute is distinct from the previously approved institute for the Nigeria Police Force and is intended to serve the unique mandate of the PSC.

Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central also weighed in, noting that the debate was procedurally misplaced since the bill had already passed the second reading. “The arguments canvassed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, as good as they look, have gone beyond that. This is not up for debate,” Ningi said, emphasizing that the proper time for such objections would be during an amendment stage, if the bill is eventually passed.