Ongoing efforts toward devolution of powers gained momentum, on Tuesday, as members of the House of Representatives passed through Second Reading of a bill which seeks to establish State Police.
The proposed private members’ bill which has 18 clauses seeks to alter Sections 34, 35, 39, 42, 84, 89, 129, 153, 197, 214, 215, and 216 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), seeks to transfer Police from the Exclusive Legislative List to Concurrent Legislative List, with a view to effectively empower States to have State-controlled policing.
Leading debate on the general principles of the bill, Hon. Tolani Shagaya lamented that “Nigeria, a federation of 36 States and Federal Capital Territory, with 774 LGAs, over 250 ethnic nationalities, more than 200 million citizens and a vast terrain spanning over 920,000 square kilometres, still sadly operates a single centralised police system that employs less than 400,000 police officers and men. There is no gainsaying that the nation’s security architecture is under immense pressure and always overwhelmed.”
He further observed that the bill “emerges as a necessary response to several calls for a decentralised and community-oriented approach to law enforcement. It seeks to navigate the complex landscape of security challenges by empowering our States with the means to address issues unique to their localities.
“This proposed alteration represents not just a legal adjustment to our grundnorm, but a visionary leap towards a safer, more secure, and harmonious Nigeria.”
According to him, the proposed bill seeks to introduce “a comprehensive framework to ensure cohesion as well as accountability and uniform standards between the Federal Police and State Police.
“The provision of prescribed rigorous safeguards preventing unwarranted interference by the Federal Police in State Police Affairs, emphasising collaboration and intervention only under well-defined circumstances.
“The establishment of State Police Service Commissions as distinct from the Federal Police Service Commission with clearly defined roles and jurisdictions.
“A re-calibration of the National Police Council to include the Chairmen of the State Police Service Commissions, emphasising the collaborative and consultative nature of policing in our federal system.
“A recognition of the possible financial challenges which may be faced by States Police, by empowering the Federal Government to provide grants or aids subject to the approval of the National Assembly, thus ensuring adequate resources for effective policing, etc.”
In his contribution, Hon. Ahmed Jaha who described the bill as timely, argued that security is the responsibility of all the Citizens.
He noted that with community policing and Nigerian police working in tandem, they will rid our communities of all forms of crime.
Also speaking, Hon. Babajimi Benson underscored the need to empower Nigeria Police to license any State that expressed intent and meet the requirements set by the Police Service Commission.
While noting that the Police may renew the license or otherwise if such State abused the licence, Hon. Benson expressed optimism that when put in place, State Police license would reduce unemployment and reduce the burden on recurrent expenditure from the Federal Government.
On his part, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante in supporting the bill, noted that Nigeria has had enough of insecurity and establishing State Police is a sure way of guaranteeing security of lives and property amidst current security challenges.
While expressing optimism that the proposed bill when passed into law will cure the tragedy of military decree of 1966, he underscored the need for deliberate efforts toward ensuring that the law is well drafted to meet the security needs of the country.
Also speaking, Hon. Ali Madaki who admitted to being part of the killing of State Police bill in the seventh Assembly, disclosed that the fear was to avert a situation where State Governors would use the State Police for political opponents.
While noting that the whole country is on fire, he noted that each State will deploy the State Police in such a manner that addresses their peculiarities.
However, in his intervention, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who presided over the plenary urged the lawmakers to put the nation above personal or sentimental gains.
Also speaking, Hon. Sada Soli about 21 States including Benue, Taraba are caught up in the socio-political, ethno-religious crises across the country.
While noting that some of the States clamouring for establishment of State Police are not economically viable, he acknowledged that State Police is a noble idea, though capital intensive.
He however cited that there was a situation where a State Governor denied a political opponent from landing at the airport, hence argued that such a Governor is capable of using the State Police for coercion of the opposition.
To this end, he urged the lawmakers to put all issues into perspective before enacting the law.
Hon. Ademorin Kuye argued that with 400,000 Policemen to 200 million Nigerians, Nigeria is under-policed.
While noting that deployment of a Police officer to a State that he is not familiar with will make him inefficient and ineffective in the course of discharging his duties.
In her remarks, Hon. Marie Ebikake, who also supported the bill, explained that so many States have security outfits increase that could be strengthened and incorporated into the State Police
While contributing to the debate,
Majority Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Kumo who supported the bill, expressed the need to address some of the grey areas and concerns raised during previous Assemblies.
Hon. Kumo who lamented over the incessant killings across the country, berated Federal Government for failing to provide funding for the ongoing recruitment exercise into the Nigerian Police.
While stressing that about current 400,000 Police workforce is inadequate, he argued that the long stay of military has put Nigerian Police which has the sole responsibility of providing internal security across the country to the background by the Nigerian Army.
While noting that there is nothing stopping Federal Government from declaring state of emergency in the Nigerian police with a view to recruit adequate number of youths into the security agencies.
Also speaking, Hon. Ben Itanabene (Labour- Delta) who called for establishment of distinct police structure for over 20 years, noted that mere use of State Police sends wrong signal that Governors will be in control of the State Police.
While urging the House to delete the word ‘State’ from the bill, he however called for decentralization of the Federal Police by using Police Command.
After robust debate on the bill, Hon. Kaku referred the bill to the Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Amendment for further legislative action.
