Dr. Charles Omole, the Director-General of the Institute for Police and Security Policy Research, has emphasized the necessity of implementing strict safeguards for the successful establishment of state policing in Nigeria. In an interview with ARISE NEWS, Dr. Omole discussed the historical context of state policing in Nigeria and outlined critical measures that must be taken to ensure its effectiveness.
During the interview, which took place on Friday, Dr. Omole responded to President Bola Tinubu’s recent appeal to the Senate for prioritizing constitutional amendments aimed at introducing state police across the nation. He stated, “For state police to work now, there are certain guardrails that need to be put in place.”
State policing is not a novel concept in Nigeria; its roots can be traced back to the colonial era. Dr. Omole noted that the colonial authorities established what was known as the “local native police.” He explained that prior to Nigeria gaining independence in 1960, the country operated under a centralized police system, which has continued to evolve.
Some state governors express reservations about the implementation of state police primarily due to the associated costs. As Dr. Omole elaborated, the transition back to state policing would necessitate the establishment of independent state prisons, which entails significant financial implications. “States must now establish their own prisons. And it will come at a cost,” he remarked. Currently, the Federal Prison Service absorbs these costs, including infrastructure and the feeding of inmates, which would shift the financial burden onto individual states.
Essential Measures for State Policing
Dr. Omole outlined several strategies that could facilitate the introduction of state policing. He argued that the Federal Character Principle currently applied at the national level should also be enforced at the state level. This principle ensures equitable representation and prevents the dominance of any specific group within the state police forces.
He suggested that creating a federal panel, similar to the one that successfully managed tax reforms, could help navigate the complexities of implementing state policing. “The head of that panel is not a politician,” he noted, advocating for expert involvement in the development of state policing frameworks. Uniformity in ranking systems across states is essential to avoid disparities that could lead to confusion.
Dr. Omole also highlighted the need for interoperability between various state police systems. “We don’t want to have 36 different policing systems in Nigeria and then A can’t talk to B,” he warned, stressing the importance of cohesive data management and communication among states.
The Path Forward for State Police
While Dr. Omole is optimistic about the potential for state policing, he cautioned that the process is inherently complex and requires significant constitutional and legal changes. “There will have to be a change. The legal framework is more complicated than people think,” he stated, noting that repealing existing laws and drafting new ones will be necessary. He expressed skepticism regarding the timeline for implementation, indicating that such changes may not occur within the next two to two and a half years.
Dr. Omole’s insights reflect a growing discourse on the feasibility of state policing in Nigeria. As the government seeks to address security challenges, the establishment of state police could play a pivotal role, provided the necessary frameworks and safeguards are effectively instituted.
