Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has issued a cautionary note, stressing the imperative of robust legal safeguards to prevent the potential misuse of police powers by governors for political ends.
Falana conveyed these concerns during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, broadcasted on Channels Television. He pointed out the current decentralization of policing evident in private security arrangements within residential estates and communities, where armed personnel protect inhabitants.
While acknowledging the timeliness of considering state police, Falana underscored the necessity of clearly delineated jurisdictions to avert inter-agency conflicts and tensions among security forces. He advocated for a citizen-centric approach to state policing, urging against excessive governmental control.
Falana reiterated that the existence of a unified federal police force doesn’t inherently conflict with the principles of federalism, stressing that its effectiveness hinges on efficient management. Nevertheless, he criticized governors for treating the Nigeria Police Force as an extension of federal authority, fueling calls for decentralized policing.
Referencing constitutional provisions like Section 216, which mandates consultation with the Nigeria Police Council before appointing or removing an Inspector General of Police, Falana highlighted the council’s composition, which includes 36 state chief executives. However, he lamented its lack of functionality and urged a return to constitutional mandates.
Emphasizing the need to safeguard against potential abuse of state police powers by governors, Falana warned against the instrumentalization of law enforcement for political gain, stressing the importance of ensuring protection against intimidation and suppression of dissenting voices across all levels of governance.
Considering the ongoing debates surrounding state police, Falana acknowledged the merits of the proposal, particularly concerning its potential to address escalating security challenges such as kidnapping and banditry. However, he noted the operational constraints faced by existing state-owned security outfits, including limitations on weapon procurement.
Despite these hurdles, governors remain optimistic about the prospect of state police, particularly with constitutional backing. Falana referred to recent agreements among President Bola Tinubu, governors, and the National Economic Council to explore the establishment of state police as a strategic response to mounting security threats.
In conclusion, Falana emphasized the importance of thorough deliberation and meticulous policy formulation to ensure that state police serve the broader public interest and uphold democratic principles, cautioning against rushed implementation without adequate safeguards.
