Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, in his keynote address, stated that the National Assembly has no fixed position on the debate whether or not to establish state police.
The speaker explained that the “concept of State police involves decentralising law enforcement functions to the state level, thereby, allowing for more localised and responsive policing tailored to the unique needs of each state.” He said present security challenges, as well as institutional and structural challenges have severely affected the overall effectiveness of the police. He stated that this has resulted in the military engaging in policing duties across the country.
“Let me state categorically that the House and, indeed, the National Assembly does not have a fixed position. Our role is to facilitate a dialogue and generate consensus. In discussions as significant as this, it is imperative that we approach each debate with objectivity and neutrality. We must acknowledge our biases and set them aside in favour of what is most beneficial for our dear country. Our discussions should be marked not by the pursuit of personal or political gains, but by a steadfast commitment to the common good.
“It is imperative to acknowledge that the push for reforming our police forces is not merely desirable but necessary. We are at a stage where public trust in law enforcement is teetering. Also, the burden of policing the vast geographical expanse of our country and a rapidly expanding population warrants a reform of the current structure.”
Abbas further stated: “The need for a system that maintains law and order and upholds every Nigeria’s dignity and rights cannot be overstated.
Reform is essential to heal and to build – rebuilding trust, rebuilding effectiveness, and rebuilding our shared commitment to justice.
“Creating State Policing systems requires more than just legislative action; it requires a national consensus. As diverse and complex as our great country is, so, too, are the opinions and perspectives on how best to manage and implement local policing. It is only through open, inclusive, and respectful dialogue – like the one we are part of today – that we can build the necessary consensus.
“It is crucial that every voice is heard, from the northern reaches of our Sahel to the coastal hubs in the south. Each region and geo-political zone has its unique challenges and insights. By embracing these differences and working through them together, we can forge policies that are robust, equitable, and tailored to the specific needs of each community.
“In view of the above, many have argued that a decentralised and community-based approach to policing has become imperative to empower the states to address the complex security challenges in the context of their local environment and peculiarities.
“Some see the current centralised structure of the police as a negation of ‘true federalism’. Several countries structured as federations have well-established state, provincial, or regional police that exercise authority over relevant sub-national jurisdictions and collaborate on law enforcement matters with national or federal police, where both exist.
“Furthermore, it is also important to remind ourselves that decentralised policing is not alien to Nigeria. Historically, during both the colonial and immediate post-colonial periods, Nigeria operated under a system where local police forces played significant roles in maintaining public order specific to their regions.
“Policing in colonial times was purely decentralised, as evidenced by the Lagos Police Force, Hausa Constabulary and Niger Coast Constabulary. The structure was maintained even after the merger of the Northern and Southern Protectorates with the creation of the Northern Nigeria Police and the Southern Nigeria Police. In fact, under the First Republic, these forces were first regionalised before their subsequent nationalisation.
“However, subsequent civilian and military governments adopted a rigidly centralised pattern for the Nigeria Police. As such, you should take cognisance of the fact that decentralised policing is not an entirely new proposition. The historical precedent supports the notion that a decentralised approach can be beneficial and effective if properly managed.”
“However, we must proceed with caution. There is a palpable fear among our citizens – a fear of potential tyranny and the misuse of police powers if control is devolved to the state level. These concerns are not unfounded and must be addressed frontally, without bias or sentiments. This emphasises the need for robust frameworks that ensure accountability, transparency, and equitable service delivery across all states.”