- Egbetokun Under Fire For Saying Nigeria Not Mature For State Police
- Reps Say Nigeria Needs New Suitable Police Plans
- Tinubu Calls For Scrutiny Of State Policing From Multiple Perspectives
The creation of state police has pitted the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun against former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and other proponents of state policing.
Egbetokun stirred the hornet’s nest 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.
He declared that Nigeria is not mature to operate state governments-controlled police.
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The Matrix reports that there have been renewed calls for the establishment of state police following an increase in kidnappings, banditry, and violent attacks across the country.
However, Egbetokun, who was represented by Ben Okolo, an Assistant Inspector-General Of Police, believes the country is not “mature” for state policing despite the myriad of security challenges facing it.
“On the issue of state police, it is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that Nigeria is not yet mature and ready for the establishment of state-controlled police”.
The IGP argued among other factors, that “there is the potential for abuse of power by the state political leadership.
“State governors could use the police forces under their control for political or personal gain and undermine human rights and security.
“There would also be a conflict of jurisdiction,” he said.
Ex-President Jonathan, on the other hand, stated that with the spate of kidnappings, the issue of state police is non-negotiable.
“So, the National Assembly needs to look into all these. These are the areas that we have to concentrate. 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, however, added 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,” Jonathan added.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu had described as unwavering his government’s resolve to reform the Nigeria Police Force and enhance security across Nigeria.
According to him, the idea of state policing is not just a mere policy proposal, but a potential milestone in the evolution of the nation’s law enforcement framework that would create the opportunity to fashion law enforcement in a manner that would closely address the various demands of communities across the country.
The president disclosed this on Monday in Abuja when he declared open a one-day National Dialogue on State Policing with the theme ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria’, stressing that the Tinubu administration is much aware of the complex security issues confronting Nigeria, and as such is continually developing and refining its strategies and methods to address the challenges effectively.
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President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, stressed his administration’s resolve to change the nation’s security narrative, saying: “The commitment of the administration of President Tinubu to reform the police force and enhance security at both the national and state levels is unwavering.
“We view the outcomes of today’s deliberations as crucial inputs that will guide the government’s actions towards reforming the institution of the police and achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria.”
He implored participants at the National Dialogue on State Policing to look at the idea of state policing from multiple angles, saying the president deserves commendation for being open and proactive towards the idea of reforming and decentralising the police force.
His words: “In our deliberations, let us consider the implications of state policing from multiple perspectives. We must evaluate its potential to improve response times 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 civil liberties.
“Our dialogue today should also be seen as an opportunity to listen, understand and propose solutions that bridge gaps. 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 president expressed delight that the 10th House of Representatives under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas keyed into the idea of state policing, noting that: “The involvement of the legislature in executive reform proposals ensures continuity and synergy.
“Let us use this opportunity to engage and explore every option with the seriousness and diligence they demand. The president is committed to listening to your recommendations and insights, invaluable to shaping the policies that will lead us towards a more secure and just society.”
On his part, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase while speaking on Arise TV on Monday night believes that establishing a state police will not be a walk in the park.
On his part, Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, harped on the need for the government to be transparent, honest, and accountable to citizens.
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Abubakar said there should critical discussion on how the state police would operate.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House Of Representatives, urged stakeholders to provide a framework that would dispel the fear of abuse of state police by governors.
Abbas said that there was need to proceed with caution as some Nigerians continue to express fears over state police.
According to him, these concerns are not unfounded and must be addressed frontally, without bias or sentiment.
“This emphasises the need for robust frameworks that ensure accountability, transparency, and equitable service delivery across all states.
He said it was imperative to set stringent national standards, establish oversight bodies, and involve communities in the policing process.
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He said most Nigerians agreed on the need to reform policing, and that is where the consensus ends, adding that there was no agreement on how best to proceed with the reform.
He added that there was no best policing model for Nigeria yet, adding that “we must recognize that no one-size-fits-all solution exists.”
According to him, Nigeria’s diversity, with over 300 ethnic groups and a range of geographic, economic, and social conditions, requires a policing model that is adaptable and sensitive to local contexts.
“As we explore the models of state policing that have been successful in other nations, we must be judicious in adapting these frameworks to fit our unique Nigerian context,” he said.
