The zonal public hearing for the review of the 1999 constitution has again bring to fore the demands for state policing as a way of the worsening security situation in the country.
No fewer than 1,603 people were killed in violent attacks and 1,774 people were abducted across Nigeria between January and March 2021, according to Nigeria Mourns, a non-governmental organisation.
The group said it gathered its figures through the use of newspaper reports and family sources to track violent killings. Over the years, the calls for restructuring have been subjected to national debates which sometimes tilt towards agitations for true federalism.
Many have believed that state policing, a major element of true federalism, would aid Nigeria’s war against terrorism and banditry. However, civil societies, think thanks and political office holders across the country met at their respective geopolitical regions, in a bid to offer their perspectives to the constitution review.
The two-day event was organised by the Senate held last Tuesday and Wednesday.
Meanwhile, checks by POLITICS NIGERIA into speeches of Governors hosting the events in their region showed that the demand for state policing is one of the topics that topped the discussion at the event.
Other issues discussed include the devolution of power, autonomy of the judiciary, revenue allocation and fiscal federalism.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who hosted Oyo, Lagos and Ogun states, demanded state police, fiscal federalism and a special economic status for the state as constitutional review public hearing begins across the country.
“For us in Lagos State, the issues of State Police and fiscal federalism are at the top of the priority list for us, in this ongoing review process. Equally fundamental, particularly for us in Lagos State, is the issue of a Special Economic Status for Lagos, considering our place in the national economy and the special burdens we bear by virtue of our large population and limited landmass.
“I believe the need for this Special Status has been sufficiently articulated and justified. It suffices for me at this point to restate that this request is by no means a selfish one, but one that is actually in the interest of every Nigerian and of Nigeria as a nation,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said on Wednesday.
Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who hosted other states from northwest hammered on the decentralisation of the police.
Mr El-Rufai has repeatedly suggested that the idea of state policing, noting that Nigeria’s security architecture cannot be effective without it.
“First is the question of our security arrangements. The reality of our security situation today requires that Nigeria must strengthen its military and security agencies. This includes decentralizing the police to enable the states to exercise effective control in securing their residents and communities.
The challenges of these times conclusively demonstrate that centralized policing arrangements are grossly inaccurate. We need to have Federal, State and Community Police, with each granted sufficient powers to make them effective in securing the areas assigned to them and cooperating closely with each other.”
He further explained that Nigeria has many ungoverned spaces and increasingly brazen criminal elements and that the security agencies need a surge in numbers, equipment, and technology.
For Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, who hosted some North-Central states including the FCT, opined that the level of crime would reduce if state policing is considered.
“This is more apt when Nigeria is today facing serious security and economic challenges that many tie to the 1999 Constitution. For instance, many believe that if the Constitution had provided for State Police, the level of crime and insecurity will not be as high as we are witnessing today. The same assertion goes for the economy where many feel the centre controls too much.”
Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike emphasised that it is important that the National Assembly should use the opportunity to amendment to correct a lot of anomaly in the 1999 Constitution.
He further tasked them to press for the devolution of power, creation of state police and strengthening of the federal character. According to him, the prevailing situation where only persons from certain section of the country are appointed to sensitive positions is unacceptable.
” I think this is an opportunity for members of the National Assembly to say they are working for the interest of Nigeria and not for the party they belong. Because at the end of the day, if anything happens to the country, you will all be affected.”, he said.
Kudos to our governors, i believe creation of state police and community police are the solutions to our problems in this country under insecurity, may God continue to bless Nigeria and God should be with our leaders to do the right things at right time.