Former Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr. Parry Osayande, made a rare visit to the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters recently, marking his first return in over a decade.
Mr. Osayande, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, was greeted by the current Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase, a former Inspector General of Police who succeeded in relocating the Commission to its current premises shortly after assuming office.
During his visit, Mr. Osayande was pleasantly surprised to find that the Commission had named its 500-seat auditorium after him. Expressing his delight, he declared, “You have arrived, you have won, and you will keep winning.” He commended the Commission for its progress, stating, “You are obviously doing well.”
Mr. Osayande also encouraged the Commission to look towards the future with optimism, as he believed it held great promise.
Addressing the staff in the auditorium named in his honour, Mr. Osayande highlighted the historical significance of the PSC. He explained that the Commission was established as a result of concerns raised during the 1957 Constitutional Conference/Willinck Minorities Commission Report.
Its purpose was to ensure tribal balance and prevent the domination of minority tribes in the maintenance of public order. Mr. Osayande noted that the Commission’s establishment paved the way for the creation of the Federal Character Commission.
Reflecting on the Commission’s journey, Mr. Osayande acknowledged that it had been neglected and pushed to the background in its early days. However, he expressed his happiness at seeing the Commission back on its feet and thriving.
Dr. Arase, the current Chairman, expressed his gratitude for Mr. Osayande’s visit and the honour bestowed upon the Commission. He acknowledged the significant contributions made by Mr. Osayande, particularly in initiating the construction of the Corporate Headquarters.
Dr. Arase assured the former Chairman that the Commission would continue to uphold its mission and strive to become one of the world’s leading oversight bodies for the police. He emphasised that the Commission would never forget Mr. Osayande for planting the seed that has grown into the impressive edifice now serving as its headquarters.
