The Labour Party has expressed the belief that the safeguards contained in Section 17 of the amendment bill for the creation of state police in the country, if faithfully implemented, should serve as effective checks against arbitrary control or misuse of the system by any state executive.
The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, said it understands Nigerians’ concerns regarding the possibility of abuse of the state police system, given the experience with State Independent Electoral Commissions and allegations of undue interference by some state governors. However, it added that the realities of contemporary Nigeria make a compelling case for a decentralised policing structure.
“For years, Nigerians across all regions have clamoured for a more effective and responsive policing architecture capable of addressing the growing and increasingly complex security challenges confronting the nation.
“The passage of this bill, therefore, represents a significant step towards strengthening internal security and bringing law enforcement closer to the people,” the Labour Party stated.
The party noted that no policing model is perfect, adding that, given the evident limitations of the current centralised policing arrangement in adequately securing a vast and diverse country such as Nigeria, there is an urgent need to embrace innovative approaches and fresh ideas capable of improving security outcomes for citizens.
It called on governors and state lawmakers across the 36 states of the federation to rise above partisan considerations and lend their support to what it described as “this important constitutional reform in the overriding interest of national security and public safety.”
The Labour Party expressed the belief that, with proper oversight, transparency and adherence to constitutional provisions, state policing can become a vital instrument for combating crime, enhancing community security and strengthening the federation.
