Major sociocultural groups in Nigeria, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze, and Arewa youths, gave the push for the creation of state police a significant boost over the weekend.
According to ZINGTIE, there has been a heated discussion about the need for state police in Nigeria for many years, as well as concerns about state governors becoming politicized.
The establishment of the state police was a topic of much discussion during President Bola Tinubu’s meeting with state governors in Abuja on February 15, 2024.
While some Nigerians were relieved by the conversation, others expressed concern that the nation is not yet ready for state police, citing fear of misuse by state governors.
Some claimed that the governors may abuse the local police units, particularly for political intimidation, while others countered that the centralized Nigeria Police is still overburdened and unprepared to adequately patrol 230 million people over difficult terrain.
According to ZINGTIE, the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill is one of 44 harmonized legislation that are now available for the Senate and House of Representatives to discuss and vote on.
The legislation may be put to a vote this week by the red and green chambers before being forwarded to the state Houses of Assembly, according to reports.
Afenifere, Ohanaeze, and Arewa youths supported the establishment of state police in separate interviews with ZINGTIE, expressing hope that local police may aid in resolving the security issues that have persisted for ten years.
In contrast to some who expressed anxiety, Comrade Jare Ajayi, National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere, said that “Nigeria is ripe enough for State Police” when approached.
Ajayi claims that the fear of potential abuse by governors is insufficient to prevent the establishment of State Police.
He contended that governors would be unable to carry out their responsibilities as chief security officials of their respective states in an efficient manner if they lacked the “apparatus of security at their command.”
Ajayi suggested adding provisions to the state police code that would prevent governors from directly abusing or politicizing local law enforcement.
Afenifere also urged the federal government to find and prosecute terrorist funders.
Ajayi claims that the threat posed by terrorism has escalated to the point where “no-one can predict where next the monster is going to rear its ugly head.”
“The situation could not have been this bad were those perpetrating it not having the backing of people in high places.
“Concentrating only on kidnappers arrested in the bush would not bring an end to the scourge.
“Without the financing, endorsement, sponsorship and protection of people of means and people in high places, bandits would not be able to sustain their dastardly act for this long.”
He praised the National Assembly for urging the government’s Executive Arm to both identify and prosecute banditry funders.
“The step being taken by the lawmakers to also strengthen the law on terrorism is very welcomed.
“In view of the devastating nature banditry and terrorism have reached in Nigeria today, prescribing capital punishment for the perpetrators without the option of fine is in order.
“Innocent lives of thousands have been lost, some families have been wiped out just as properties running into billions, if not trillions, have been destroyed.
“So, those perpetrating such evil acts deserve no mercy when proven guilty as they themselves show no mercy on their victims,” he stated.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the factional Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, stated that some Northern governors may use the local police against President Tinubu in 2027, despite the fact that the creation of state police is the only viable option given the rise in murders and other actions of the ruthless attackers.
Isiguzoro pointed out that the establishment of state police “might become a vehicle for electoral manipulation” in the absence of significant police reforms implemented by the National Assembly, which would create frameworks to prevent the misuse of power by the 36 state governors.
According to him, “The ongoing attempts by Nigerian governors to circumvent the Supreme Court verdict regarding the autonomy of the 774 local government areas, in collusion with various State Houses of Assembly, epitomizes a disconcerting pattern of governance characterized by corruption and a flagrant disregard for constitutional rights.
“It is imperative to recognize that should appropriate police reforms not be enacted and implemented forthwith, there exists a tangible risk that certain state governors will exploit state police mechanisms to perpetrate electoral malfeasance, potentially allowing them to unseat President Tinubu in 2027—particularly given the Northern Governors’ proclivity towards such stratagems.”
Nigerian insecurity has “rapidly deteriorated, inflicting irrevocable damage to Nigeria’s international reputation,” Isiguzoro bemoaned.
In order to ensure that the construction of state police serves the interests of law and order rather than turning into a tool of political subversion, he reaffirmed the urgent need for substantial police reforms and continuous vigilance from the National Assembly.
Alhaji Shettima Yerima, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), stated in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST that a centralized police force frequently “struggles to provide” customized responses to the insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and communal conflicts in the middle-belt regions.
Shettima stated that the creation of state police would enable localized security measures, which would improve law enforcement’s ability to address the particular security requirements of each area.
“State police officers, being residents of the communities they serve, would possess intimate knowledge of local dynamics, enabling them to address issues with greater sensitivity and effectiveness.
“Moreover, a localized approach to policing could significantly enhance trust and cooperation between law enforcement and citizens.
“When community members see familiar faces in their police force, individuals who understand their concerns and cultural nuances—they are more likely to engage positively with law enforcement.
“This trust is crucial in fostering a collaborative environment where citizens feel empowered to report crimes and cooperate with police investigations, ultimately leading to a more secure society”.
He went on to say that the creation of state police in Nigeria is in line with international trends in decentralizing law enforcement, noting the construction of regional policing institutions in the US, Canada, and Germany to meet local security requirements.
Shettima said: “These models demonstrate that localized policing can lead to more effective crime prevention and community engagement. Nigeria, with its diverse regions and unique security challenges, stands to benefit significantly from a policing system that is tailored to its specific contexts.
“By adopting a decentralized approach, Nigeria can create a policing framework that not only addresses the immediate security concerns but also promotes regional autonomy and empowerment.
“This shift would reflect a commitment to democratic governance, where local governments play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and security of their constituents.
“Despite the potential benefits, concerns regarding the potential abuse of power by state governors loom large, particularly given the historical context of political manipulation of state resources to suppress dissent.
“Critics argue that the politicization of law enforcement under state governors’ control could lead to the misuse of state police for personal or political gain, undermining the very essence of justice and accountability.”
However, on the fear of politicization of the local police by state governors, Shettima advised that the “establishment of state police is accompanied by a robust accountability and oversight framework.
“Regulations must govern recruitment, training, and operational protocols to ensure that state police operate with integrity and professionalism.
“An independent oversight body should be established to monitor the activities of state police, providing a check against potential abuses of power and ensuring that law enforcement remains accountable to the communities it serves.
“The federal government plays a crucial role in ensuring that state police operate within a defined legal framework. Clear guidelines outlining the powers and limitations of state police are essential to prevent overreach and ensure adherence to democratic principles.
“Protocols regarding the use of force, community engagement, and the protection of citizens’ rights must be explicitly articulated to safeguard against potential abuses”.
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