State Police: Nigeria immature for implementation, will be abused by Governors — IGP

…As Fmr President Jonathan, Abdusalam harp on independence of Police, increased funding

By Adeyanju Esther

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has stated that Nigeria is immature to have a state controlled Police force.

The IGP was responding to recent calls advocating for the creation of State Police to tackle the rising insecurity and banditry across the country.

Recall that some state Governors had previously embarked on creating security services but have been unsuccessful on making them legally recognised, prominent of which is the Amotekun Corps set up by South-West Governors.

Speaking during a national dialogue on state police organised by the House of Representatives in Abuja, with the theme: ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria,’ Egbetokun, represented by Ben Okolo, an assistant inspector-general of police, said Nigeria is not ready for a decentralised police force.

He said, “It is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria police force that Nigeria is yet to mature for the establishment of state-controlled police.”

The IGP listed some of the challenges as inadequate manpower, inadequate operational equipment such as vehicles, arms and ammunition, communication equipment, drones, aerial surveillance cameras, security surveillance helicopters, armoured vehicles, and inadequate training of personnel.

He added that state police would create a conflict of jurisdiction and be open to abuse by state governors.

However, Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, countered Egbetokun’s stance with advocacy for state police. Gaidam argued that decentralising the police force was imperative to effectively combat the rising tide of insecurity. He stressed the need for tailored, localized approaches to policing to address the diverse security challenges facing different regions of Nigeria.

However, concerns were raised about the potential of such a merger as proposed by Egbetokun on the autonomy and efficacy of the respective organizations.

Also speaking, Former President of Nigeria, Goodwick Jonathan declared that the issue of state police is non-negotiable.

Jonathan noted that for state police to be implemented, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be rejigged.

“So if we are talking about state police, we must also rejig INEC, and the police must not be used against or to the advantage of any political party.

“The issue of voting, the polling booths of INEC, and the use of police during elections has to be reviewed by the National Assembly.

“So the National Assembly needs to look into all these. These are the areas that we have to concentrate on. The issue of the need for states to have their own police is not negotiable. There is no way we can continue this kidnapping that is going on in this country,” Jonathan said.

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (retd) also rechoed the opinions of Former President Jonathan.

Abdulsalam opined that the success of the state police is hinged on adequate funding.

He said that in order to make peace and security in any nation, the governance must be transparent, must have honesty, accountability and all that it takes to make citizens comfortable in order to go on with their daily business to earn their legitimate earnings.

He added that the citizens of any country have the responsibility and that responsibility is to ensure the maintenance of peace and order and this can be done by upholding the Constitution, laws and orders, and regulations.

“Not only that, citizens should not vandalise any property or establishment provided by the various governments. It is our responsibility to be each other’s keepers and ensure that there is equity and the maintenance of issues provided by the various governments,” Abubakar said.

He further called that the traditional rulers should be carried along in achieving that state police.

“Indeed, our royal fathers have a lot of responsibilities in ensuring the maintenance of peace and order. As a young child growing up in a rural community, we see the role of these royal fathers in the various arms ‘of their governments,’ where when a stranger enters a village, within hours, the village head knows about that stranger and through their means of communication, the Emir is aware,” the ex-Head of State said.

“I think, as much as we are talking of establishing State Police, we should also look into the role vis-a-vis our royal fathers.

“President Jonathan has mentioned the relationship of what I was to say to politicians vis-a-vis the local police if we decide to have them. It is absolutely necessary for the politicians as much as possible to avoid exerting influence on the ways the police are going to operate if at all we agree to have the police.

“Although President Jonathan has already concluded that it’s the operational standards that we are going to discuss. I think we must really give it a thought to have to operationalise these police if we decide to have them,” AbdulSalam said.

In the same vein, Vice President, Kashim Shettima pledged the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to reform the Police Force and enhance security to achieve a safer and more secured Nigeria for the well being of citizens.

According to him, Tinubu believes that the path to effective security is through adaptive reforms catering to Nigeria’s diverse circumstances.

This, he said, can only be achieved by carefully reviewing various options in the Nigerian context. He said this inclusive approach will guide the country to have a policing system that is most effective and respectful.

“Your interest in the issue of state policing underscores your commitment to the security and well-being of citizens. This initiative is not only timely but also speaks to the commitment of the legislative arm for addressing critical national issues through inclusive and collaborative governance,” Shettima said.

“This government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is actively aware of the complex security issues that abound in places.

“As such, we are continually developing and reminding ourselves of methods to address these challenges effectively. Today’s dialogue is critical to these efforts of providing a platform for robust discussion and innovative thinking regarding the reform of our policing structure. He deserves commendation for his openness and proactive stance towards the idea of reforming and decentralising the police force.

“It gladdens my heart that the 10th House of Representatives under the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has keyed into this initiative. The involvement of the legislature in executive reforms ensure continuity and synergy. Let us use this opportunity to engage with the seriousness it demands.

“The President is committed to listening to your recommendations and insights invariably to share in the policies that would lead us to a more secure and good society.”

He further explained that the concept of state policing is not merely a policy but a potential revolution of the law enforcement framework which offers the possibility of catering to the diverse means of the nation’s communities.

“As the Vice President, I am deeply interested in the outcomes of today’s discussions. The insights would inform our administration’s approach to supporting legislation and enhancing the capacity of our police force but also strengthen the bonds of trust between the law enforcement and the public.”

“In our deliberations, let us consider the implications of state policing from multiple perspectives. We must invite (stakeholders)…to respond on time to emergencies, adapt to specific local challenges and increase accountability. At the same time we must address concerns related to the standardisation of training, oversight and the safeguarding of our civil liberties.

“We should also see it as an opportunity to listen, understand and focus on the solutions. It is essential that this forum is not the end but the beginning of an ongoing conversation on the issue of police and security sector reform in our country.

“The nature of the stakeholders gathered here today including security experts, religious leaders, civil society representatives, underscores the comprehensive approach to ensure that diverse perspectives are integrated into the policy making process.

“As we continue today’s sessions I urge participants to engage with openness, honesty and insight. The value of this gathering lies in the ability to harness advice and constructive reasoning and suggestions from all quarters. Your contributions today are not merely academic but theoretical discussions of the transformative reforms we aspire to implement.”

He also reiterated the President’s readiness to support and implement meaningful resolutions that would emerge from the dialogue.