Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Monday said that the issue of the State Police in Nigeria is not negotiable as it is already “a settled matter.”
Jonathan who spoke in Abuja, at the ongoing national dialogue on state police themed: ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria’, organised by the House of Representatives in Abuja averred that: “There is no way we can manage our internal security if we don’t have State Police.”
Drawing reference from his administration, the former President, disclosed that the 2014 National Conference unanimously endorsed the establishment of “State Police, National Border Guard and National Coast Guard.”
He, however, said that Nigerians including the National Assembly must focus on how to create an operational framework for State Police in a way that enhances the country’s national security architecture for the overall security and progress of Nigeria.
Speaking further, Jonathan highlighted the perceived role of politicians, especially governors whom many analysts believe would use state police to harass political opponents, advising panellists in the dialogue to focus on “how do we ensure that state political actors do not abuse the state police.”
On his part, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who described state policing as “a national priority”, observed that the “escalating security challenges facing our country demand innovative solutions and candid discussions.
“The National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, recognizes the gravity of this situation and is
firmly committed to exploring all viable options that will lead to a safer and more secure Nigeria for its citizens.”
While giving the current landscape: A Statistical Analysis, he observed that “The present policing structure necessitates a data-driven evaluation. The United Nations recommends a police-to-citizen ratio of 1:450 (one police officer per 600 citizens).
“Regrettably, Nigeria’s current reality falls far short of this benchmark. As reported by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in November 2023, Nigeria has a national police force of approximately 370,000 officers. This translates to a concerning ratio of roughly one officer per 600 citizens. This significant understaffing is further compounded by resource deficiencies.
“Since 2016, estimates suggest over ₦5 billion has been paid in ransoms to kidnappers, a figure that starkly exposes the alarming growth of this criminal enterprise in the country. Furthermore, the 2024 Global Terrorism Index paints a concerning picture, ranking Nigeria fourth in Sub-Saharan Africa and eighth globally for countries most impacted by terrorism.
“These statistics underscore the urgent need for a multi-layered policing approach that prioritizes local security and enables a more responsive policing environment in Nigeria.”
While noting that Nigeria already practices some forms of multi-layered policing such as Amotekun in the South West, Ebube-Agu in the South East as with the pioneer Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the North East geopolitical zone, the Deputy Speaker who doubles as Chairman, Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review, stated that stakeholders believe that State Police which is a competitive model would “incentivize States to prioritize security within their territories, ultimately attracting businesses and residents while boosting state economies through increased job creation and tax revenue.”
According to him, “In various jurisdictions worldwide, multi-layered policing systems have been implemented with varying degrees of success. These systems often involve different levels of law enforcement agencies operating concurrently, each with specific responsibilities and jurisdictions.
“Examining some of these jurisdictions sheds light on the potential benefits and challenges of adopting a similar approach in Nigeria. The United States exemplifies a multi-layered policing system with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. In the United Kingdom, policing is organized into several layers, including regional, and local levels.
“Canada also employs a multi-layered policing system consisting of federal, provincial, and municipal police forces. Other jurisdictional examples of multilayered policing include Brazil
and Australia.”
While acknowledging the opposition against the creation of the State Police, Hon. Kalu said: “We recognize that the decisions we make regarding the restructuring of Nigeria’s policing system are not intended to serve the interests of any individual or political faction. Rather, we aim to enact laws and reforms that benefit the collective welfare of our nation.
“It is important to remember that political leaders, including governors, come and go, but the institutions and
systems we establish endure. By focusing on the greater good and the long-term interests of our society, we can transcend partisan divides and ensure that our laws and policies withstand the test of time.
In his remarks, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio who spoke on ‘National security and State Police: The way forward.’
The Senate President represented by his Deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin said: “Today, we gather here not just as politicians, lawmakers, technocrats or bureaucrats, but as guardians of our great nation, holders of our nation’s sacred trust, and protectors of our posterity. With fidelity to these roles, we gather here today to discuss a matter of utmost importance – the security and safety of our beloved country.
“We gather here today to deliberate on the way forward, to explore new horizons, and to chart a path towards a brighter, greater and safer future for all Nigerians. In the face of insecurity, adversity and uncertainty, it is our duty to see above the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. It is our duty to be the architects of change, the catalysts for progress, and the guardians of hope.
“Today, we stand at a crossroads, where the decisions we make will shape the destiny of our nation. Today, we have the power to transform our security architecture and create a Nigeria where every citizen feels safe and protected, regardless of his or her status, religion, tribe, location or background.
“As a regular Joe and a man of the people, I stand before you today, inspired by the resilience and determination of our people. I stand before you today, inspired by the courage and sacrifices of our security forces and law enforcement agents in the face of monstrous insecurity.”
While applauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to reform the country’s security architecture, he underscored the need to “ensure that this right is upheld, that justice is served, and that the rule of law prevails. We must build a security architecture that is robust, transparent, and accountable. If we are to set up state police departments, we must ensure that they are free from the shackles of politics, religious extremism, tribalism, and ethnicism. We must empower them to serve and protect, without fear or favour.
“As we consider this proposition, let us draw inspiration from the United States of America, a nation that has successfully implemented a system of state and federal policing. Let us learn from their experiences and adapt their models to suit our unique socio-political context.
“Let us ensure that our state police forces work in harmony with their federal counterparts, collaborating to fight crime, preserve peace, and safeguard our democracy. In the USA, the FBI, the federal police body enforces federal laws and the state police departments enforce state laws. The FBI also investigates inter-state crimes.
“We must draw the lines because to have functional state police we must have a strong federal police. But let us never forget that the power of the state police should never be used as a tool of oppression. Let us ensure that political powers cannot manipulate the state police to silence dissent or target their enemies.
“Let us ensure that the influential do not exert undue influence over the state. police, and that justice is blind to wealth, power, politics, or status. Let us build a system that is fair, just, and equitable for all. Therefore, in this hallowed hall, let us embrace this dialogue as an opportunity for unity, understanding, and collaboration.
“Let us rise above our differences and work towards a common goal – a safer and more secure Nigeria. Let us use our collective efforts to build a nation that can withstand the challenges that lie ahead, a nation that can combat the monster of insecurity that currently threatens us.”
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