Falana Raises Concerns About Governors Misusing State Police for Oppression
A Human Rights Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has expressed concerns about the establishment of state police in the country.
Falana, who supports the initiative, emphasized the necessity for proper legal safeguards to prevent some state governors from exploiting the police apparatus to intimidate and oppress their political opponents.
Falana articulated his views during an interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources With Laolu Akande, aired on Friday.
He noted that policing in the country has been decentralized to some extent, with residential estates and communities employing private security outfits equipped with various weapons to safeguard their residents.
While acknowledging the timeliness of state police, Falana underscored the importance of clearly defining jurisdictions to avoid conflicts and rivalries among security agencies.
He stressed that state police should prioritize serving the people rather than being centered around the government.
Furthermore, Falana stated that having a single federal police force does not contradict the principles of federalism, as the success of the system depends on effective management.
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He remarked: “Unfortunately, our governors have allowed the Nigeria Police Force to become the Federal Government Police Force, hence the demand for state police.”
“Under Section 216 of the Constitution, the President of the Republic cannot appoint or remove an Inspector General of Police without consulting the Nigeria Police Council. In that 39-member body, 36 of them are chief executives of states. It’s a council where the members should discuss the number of police personnel should be in every state, how the police should be funded, and how the police should be managed and administered. But what has happened?”
Falana highlighted the absence of routine meetings of the Nigeria Police Council, despite the existence of other security council gatherings across the country.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to the Constitution and cautioned that while it’s common for federations to have both federal and state police forces, it’s crucial to carefully review and adjust policies before establishing state police.
Falana stressed the imperative to reassure citizens and prioritize their safety.
“There are governors in Nigeria that will turn state police into an instrument of oppression because even right now, the federal police is turned into an instrument of oppression,” he added.
He called for an agreement within the federation to ensure that every tier of government can enforce its laws with its security apparatus without intimidating or oppressing political opponents.
Ejes Gist News reports that social commentaries on state police remain prevalent in public discussions.
Some governors and regional socio-political groups, such as Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, believe that state police could help address growing issues of kidnapping, banditry, and other crimes.
Currently, approximately 23 states have state-owned security organizations, including the Civilian Joint Task Force in Borno State, the Amotekun Corps in the South-West, Ebube Agu in the South-East, Benue Guards in the North Central, Community Protection Guards in Zamfara, Community Watch Corps in Katsina, the Neighbourhood Watch in Plateau, and state-supported vigilante groups in Niger and Bauchi, among others.
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Nevertheless, these security outfits face operational challenges, including the lack of authorization to carry assault rifles and advanced weaponry to combat dangerous insurgents and criminals.
Despite these challenges, governors are optimistic that with legal backing, these organizations can reach their full potential.
In line with this, President Bola Tinubu and the governors of all 36 states reached an agreement in mid-February to implement state police as a strategy to address the worsening security situation in the country.
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