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Contents
By Charles Edet
Indeed, several interest groups have expressed their support for state police today because they are, in one way or the other, in power now. Bet me, tomorrow they will rise to call it an instrument of impunity by those in power. You can see how El-Rufai confronted Jonathan and said blunders as APC chieftain. Today, APC has turned to a dragon in his political pursuit. That’s how things turn around. However, my friend and classmate said, and I quote, following my opposition to state police, in a feature tagged “Perils of State Police…”
He said, “Charles, I understand your concerns about the potential dangers of state police, but I strongly believe that the risks associated with centralized police forces far outweigh any perceived benefits of state police. The current system has led to ethno-religious cleansing and other forms of violence, which can be attributed to the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals.”
Here are my sincere positions and possible solutions, because one day we will cry for Nigeria to continue the central policing system. We absolute governors will rise—where a governor can order the state police to arrest a federal minister. That will happen if we stick to state police. Rather, I suggest as follows:
Community Policing: A More Viable Solution
Rather than establishing state police, I propose that we focus on developing community policing. This approach would allow for more localized control and decision-making, reducing the influence of centralized power structures. Community policing can help build trust between law enforcement and local communities, leading to more effective and targeted security measures.
The Dangers of State-Controlled Police
A state-controlled police force would likely be more vicious than a federal police force. When governors have direct control over the police, it can lead to abuse of power and the suppression of opposition voices. The phrase “he who pays the piper dictates the tune” is particularly relevant in this context, as governors would have significant influence over police operations.
The Importance of Checks and Balances
In a country like Nigeria, where power tends to concentrate in the hands of a few individuals, it’s crucial to have robust checks and balances in place. State police would likely undermine these checks and balances, leading to further impunity and disregard for the rule of law.
At this point, it is pertinent to aver that, while I understand the concerns about centralized police forces, I firmly believe that state police is not the solution. Instead, we should focus on developing community policing and strengthening existing security structures to ensure they are more accountable and responsive to the needs of citizens. By doing so, we can build a more just and equitable society where the rights of all individuals are protected.
A Call to Action
Let’s work together to promote community policing and hold our leaders accountable for ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. By prioritizing the needs of local communities and promoting transparency and accountability, we can build a more effective and just security system.
The Way Forward
The way forward is to engage in a national conversation about the role of security agencies in our society. We need to discuss the pros and cons of different security models and work towards finding a solution that prioritizes the needs of citizens. By doing so, we can build a more secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
*Charles Edet Esq, PhD writes from Abuja, Nigeria.
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