The President says, “We’re ready to decentralize force.” The State Policy IGP agrees, saying that “Nigeria cannot have internal security without the state police.” Jonathan and Abdulsalami
The State policy IGP, and CSOs Jonathan
At yesterday’s National Dialogue on State Policing in Abuja, attitudes on the topic of incorporating state police into the nation’s security architecture remained divided in Nigeria.
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According to LEADERSHIP, although one side of the debate maintains that the nation’s centralized police system is insufficient to handle the current state of insecurity in the nation, the other side is concerned that governors may utilize it as a tool to harass their rivals.
At the one-day National Dialogue on State Policing, Vice President Kashim Shettima introduced the theme, “Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Speaking at the Abuja Continental Hotel, “Policing in Nigeria,” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening security throughout Nigeria and reforming the Nigeria Police Force.
He noted that the concept of state policing was more than just a proposal for policy; rather, it was a possible turning point in the development of the country’s legal system, one that would allow law enforcement to be tailored to the specific needs of communities all around the nation.
Shettima stated that the Tinubu government is always creating and improving its plans and techniques to properly handle the complicated, security challenges that Nigeria faces in a statement provided by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha.
announcing the president’s intention to The vice president stated, “The administration of President Tinubu is steadfastly committed to reforming the police force and enhancing security at both the national and state levels. This will change the narrative surrounding national security.”
All of us see today’s conversations’ results as fundamental inputs which will influence the actions taken by the government regards restructuring the police organization and establishing a greater sense of security in Nigeria.
Shettima urged attendees of the National Dialogue on State Policing to consider state policing from a variety of perspectives, noting that the President should be commended for his willingness to be transparent and aggressive in promoting the idea of decentralizing and reforming the police force.
Let’s examine the effects of state policing from a variety of angles as we deliberate. We have to assess its capacity to enhance accountability, adjust to particular local circumstances, and expedite emergency response times. Simultaneously, we need to tackle issues with monitoring, civil liberties protection, and training standardization.
“We should view today’s conversation as a chance to listen, comprehend, and offer ideas that close gaps. It is crucial that the discussion about police and security sector reform in our nation does not end with this meeting but rather begins here.
Shettima said that “the involvement of the legislature in executive reform proposals ensures continuity and synergy” and expressed her satisfaction that the 10th House of Representatives, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had taken a strong interest in the concept of state policing.
He said he was prepared to assist and carry out the important suggestions made by the House of Representatives for changes to the nation’s whole policing structure.
The inclusive approach will lead the nation toward the most effective policing system, he says. Adaptive reforms that take into account Nigeria’s diversity are the only way to achieve effective security, and they can only be accomplished by carefully examining a variety of options and methods in the Nigerian context.
We are always coming up with new plans to deal with these difficulties because this administration, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is well aware of the numerous and intricate security concerns that places,” the statement read.
IGP Dismisses, Demands NSCDC and FRSC Unite As One Police Department
However, Olukayode Egbetokun, the inspector general of police, has stated that rather than The Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps should combine to form a Department under the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), thereby establishing state police.
Under the leadership of Assistant Inspector General of Police Ben Okolo, the IGP also stated that in order to comply with UN mandates, annual police recruitment has to rise by a minimum of 30,000.
In addition, he demanded that the Nigerian Police receive more financing, that officers receive effective training in contemporary policing techniques to boost effectiveness, that the Constitution be amended to provide for greater empowerment, and that the police, as the primary internal security agency, be funded.
Governors would exploit state police for political or personal advantage, undermining security and human rights, according to Egbetokun, who also added that coming Currently, state police will make ethnic tensions in the nation worse.
The Inspector General went on to say that a variety of issues working against the police force contributed to the perception that the force was failing to fulfill its obligations, which in turn fueled calls for state police.
He listed a number of the difficulties, including a lack of personnel, a lack of operational supplies, such as weapons and ammo, and surveillance gear, limited budget for training, and inadequate quarters for offices and barracks.
Most police stations and barracks built during the colonial era have not been repaired, even though the force’s strength has increased. These have had a detrimental effect on staff performance, he claimed.
To speak Similarly, Sen. Ibrahim Geidam, Minister of Police Affairs, noted that although state police are crucial for maintaining local security, they also carry the risk of being used for political purposes and violating human rights.
Lakers
“Political intervention is one of the negative consequences of state police the development,” he stated. Establishing oversight and accountability is crucial in order to guarantee a decrease in interference. A successful implementation roadmap is necessary for operations to run smoothly.
John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, stated at a panel discussion that state police should not be considered until the Inspector General of Police’s concerns have been resolved.
Prior to establishing state police, if we consider matters such as money and welfare, it will be fantastic, so that we may divide the current police force between the federal and state agencies when the time comes to create the state police.
Not at this point are wanting to ensure that Nigerian police comprise the state police, but regardless of what we do now, even with the greatest, there won’t be a solution if there is still corruption.”
CSOs Support IGP; Minister Is Not Sure
Several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have backed Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, in his rejection of the state police.
The CSOs stated that Nigeria is not yet prepared for it and raised concern that state police may be abused.
LEADERSHIP was contacted by the following CSOs: The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), ”The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) and Transparency International (TI).
They claimed that state governors who are behind in paying employees’ salaries cannot manage the state police with the openness and impartiality that the force requires, speaking through their leader Awwal Musa Rafsanjani.
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The CSOs conveyed concern that these governors would change the focus of security management, which would increase insecurity.
It is quite evident that state governors who are unable to support democratic elections or pay salaries cannot assist in the management of state police. Rafsanjani affirmed the IGP’s position and stated, “Obviously, there will be risks involved with turning over state police to them.
instruction to counter security risks? In what ways can they administrate police that demand continual assistance if they have little money to pay classroom instructors and run healthcare facilities?How are they going to maintain their perks and income? With respect to the governors, Rafsanjani declared.
The governors and the territory’s existing situation make it impossible for the state administration to deal with insecurity. They’ll go after CSOs, human rights activists, and opposition parties. That will be their biggest security issue, not terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or other socially hazardous groups, says Rafsanjani.
We as humanity require a functional police force with instruments, competent staff members, and regular pay money transfers, with its corporate headquarters in the Nigerian capital Abuja; each of us disagreement with the IGP on this point.
Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, the minister of police affairs, stated in his contribution that putting state police in place will increase local responsiveness, promote crime prevention, and fortify local security degree.
During his message of goodwill at the National Dialogue on State Policing in Abuja, he made this statement.
In order to establish state policing in Nigeria, the minister suggested a decentralized system in which each state oversees its own police force within a framework that guarantees coordination and collaboration with federal authorities.
He pointed out that “this paradigm would entail ensuring that transparency and accountability how mechanisms work are in place alongside hiring, instructing, and modernizing state law enforcement personnel in accordance with professional evaluations.
Furthermore, Gaidam suggested establishing an institutional and legal structure that clarifies the functions, obligations, and authority of state police forces in relation to the larger framework of national security.
“In order to combat international in nature and transnational security, this framework should include mechanisms for information sharing, collaboration, and coordination between state and federal agencies.” challenges in an efficient manner,” the minister said.
In order to discuss the implementation of state police in Nigeria, he emphasized the necessity for an extensive national discourse including stakeholders at all levels and taking into account the particular opportunities and problems presented by the nation’s complex socio-political context.
“The goal of this conversation ought to be to establish agreement on the best course of action and create a schedule for the gradual introduction of state policing, making sure that it helps to improve security, preserve the rule of law, and safeguard the rights of every citizen in the country,” Geidam continued.
Without State Police, We Cannot Handle Internal Security – Jonathan, Abdulsalam
Former President Goodluck Jonathan stated in his statement that if states do not have their own internal security agencies, the nation cannot control its internal security. police formations, pointing out that the question is how they will work within the framework of national security.
Jonathan stated that although the topic of state police is being discussed, the National Border Force should also be taken into consideration, since it will aid in combating criminal elements that avoid the monitored routes that are staffed by the Nigerian Customs Service and Nigerian Immigration Service.
In addition, he stated that since state police are a topic of discussion, changes need to be made to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the usage of police in elections.
During the time I established the 2014 national dialogue, the nation faced numerous difficulties. Numerous places had protests, and in one state, all of the local government representatives pushed for state law enforcement. Everyone was in favor of it when it was brought up.
The subject of state police cannot be disregarded; the issue of national boundary organization was also recognized. Additionally, the national coast guard issue was acknowledged. While discussing state police, we nearly forgot about INEC. The National Assembly should examine the matter of INEC polling booths and the deployment of police during elections, he stated.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former head of state, wants traditional rulers to be included in the nation’s security framework since they have access to indigenous intelligence.
He went on to say that in order for the nation to advance and enjoy peace, the people must hold their government accountable and transparent. fulfill their civic obligations by abiding with the law.
A transparent, a transparent government that goes above and beyond to guarantee that its citizens can go regarding their daily lives is essential for any country seeking security and peace. lives and make a living. Having stated that once again, it is the duty of every nation’s inhabitants to maintain peace and order.
Growing up in a rural community, we were exposed to the job of village chiefs as children. They were responsible for informing the Emir of any strangers that entered their village through communication. While we’re discussing the creation of the state police, we ought to consider the function of our royal fathers,” he remarked, stressing the significance of police recruits’ caliber.
“Junkies and dropouts shouldn’t work as police officers. Police work ought to be appealing. The current form of policing is not what we desire. Before you are hired or placed, it shouldn’t matter how much you pay, Rafsanjani continued.
He claims that police officers should be trained to fight crime rather than holding political figures’ baggage.
They went on to say, “It would make an appealing job wherein honest individuals join and the problem compensation and fringe benefits are paid when due.
The National Assembly and the House do not share a unified stance on state police, according to House Speaker Hon. Abbas Tajudeen Their job is to start a conversation and bring people together.
The contentious and polarizing debates surrounding the topic under consideration are known to the House of Representatives. Let me say this clearly: neither the House nor the National Assembly has a set position. It is our responsibility to start a conversation and produce an agreement.
It is crucial that we approach every issue in talks this important with neutrality and objectivity. We have to own up to our prejudices and put them aside to do what is best for our beloved nation. The pursuit of political or personal benefit should not characterize our conversations; instead, we should be dedicated to the general good, he stated.
