Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-27 04:07:31
A sneak peek into the new State Police bill reveals some intriguing provisions that highlight the distinct roles and coordination between Federal and State police, as well as the importance of accountability, checks, and balances to prevent potential abuse by the political class. The bill, titled “A bill for an Act to alter the provision of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the establishment of State Police; and for related matters”, recently passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, marking a significant milestone in its advocacy.
Spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 14 other lawmakers, the bill seeks to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s collective security and the need for a major policy shift. With a federation comprising 36 states, a Federal Capital Territory, 774 councils, over 250 ethnic nationalities, and a vast terrain spanning over 920,000 square kilometers, the proponents argue that a centralized police system with less than 400,000 police officers is inadequate to secure the nation effectively.
The bill proposes the transfer of “Police” from the “Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, empowering states to establish their controlled policing systems. It also introduces a framework to ensure cohesion, accountability, and uniform standards between federal and state police, with safeguards to prevent unwarranted interference by federal police in state police affairs. Additionally, the bill advocates for the establishment of State Police Service Commissions and the re-calibration of the National Police Council to include chairmen of the State Police Service Commissions, emphasizing collaboration and consultation in policing.
Furthermore, the bill outlines the roles and appointment processes for the Inspector-General of Police and Commissioners of Police at the federal and state levels. It also proposes mechanisms for checks and balances, including a bi-annual review of state police activities by the Federal Police Service Commission to ensure compliance with national standards and guidelines of policing.
In response to concerns about funding and potential misuse of state police by governors, stakeholders such as Afenifere leader Pa Ayo Adebanjo have supported the bill, emphasizing the need for improved understanding and education on the concept of state police under a federal arrangement. Adebanjo dismisses fears about funding, noting that it would be provided for in the constitution, and suggests that governors redirect resources currently spent on federal police to support state police.
Overall, the State Police bill represents a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges through a decentralized and community-oriented approach to law enforcement. With careful consideration of checks and balances, accountability mechanisms, and collaborative policing efforts, the bill aims to create a safer, more secure, and harmonious Nigeria. As stakeholders and lawmakers work towards passing the bill into law, the potential impact of establishing state police on national security and governance in Nigeria remains promising.
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