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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has warned against what it described as a rushed constitutional amendment to create state police, urging the Federal Government and the National Assembly to ensure wider consultations before taking a final decision on the proposed reform.
The Council, in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, said it had been closely monitoring the ongoing national debate and legislative process on state police, describing the issue as one with far-reaching implications for justice, national unity and the country’s future.
The council acknowledged that Nigeria is grappling with one of the most severe security crises in its history, noting that insecurity has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions of people, disrupted farming activities, destroyed businesses and left many communities living in fear.
“There is no dispute that Nigeria is facing one of the gravest security crises in its history,” the statement said, adding that Islam places “the protection of life, property and human dignity among the foremost objectives of governance.”
While expressing support for genuine efforts to improve security, the council argued that establishing state police should not be presented as a cure-all for Nigeria’s security problems.
“The Council firmly believes that State Police should not be presented as a quick or magical solution to Nigeria’s security challenges,” it stated.
According to the SCSN, the country’s security failures stem largely from inadequate funding, corruption, insufficient personnel, poor welfare for security operatives, weak intelligence, obsolete equipment and ineffective coordination.
It stressed that these challenges “will not disappear merely by transferring policing powers to the states.”
Instead, the council advocated comprehensive reforms of existing security institutions through improved funding, better recruitment, modern technology, intelligence gathering, stronger border security, enhanced accountability and greater professionalism.
The Islamic body also expressed concern over what it described as the speed with which constitutional amendments on state police are being pursued.
“The Council is deeply concerned by the apparent haste with which constitutional amendments on this far-reaching matter are being pursued,” it said.
It argued that changes of such constitutional significance “must never be rushed” but should involve “broad national consultation, transparent public hearings and genuine consensus among all stakeholders.”
The council further criticised proceedings in the National Assembly, saying they fell short of the openness and inclusiveness required for such a sensitive national issue.
“We are therefore disappointed by the proceedings of the National Assembly, which many Nigerians viewed as falling short of the openness, inclusiveness and thorough national consultation that such a critical constitutional matter demands,” the statement read.
The SCSN, however, commended lawmakers who opposed what it described as attempts to fast-track the amendment process.
“We commend those distinguished legislators who courageously stood their ground in defence of due process, wider consultation and the national interest.
“Their principled stand reflects the essence of democratic representation and deserves the appreciation of all Nigerians.”
The council also warned that state police could become tools of political intimidation or discrimination if adequate constitutional safeguards are not put in place.
“Given Nigeria’s complex religious, ethnic and political diversity, every citizen must be assured of equal protection under the Constitution,” it said.
It insisted that before any state police structure is created, there must be independent oversight institutions, transparent and merit-based recruitment, professional training standards, effective complaints mechanisms, judicial and legislative oversight, sustainable funding and firm guarantees against abuse of power.
“Without these safeguards, the proposed reform could create new dangers instead of solving existing problems,” it warned.
The council called on President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly, state governments and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive nationwide consultations before taking any final decision on the proposal.
“The Council therefore calls on the President, the leadership of the National Assembly, state governments and all relevant stakeholders to ensure comprehensive nationwide consultations have been concluded and the legitimate concerns of Nigerians adequately addressed.”
The SCSN prayed for divine guidance for Nigeria’s leaders. “We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants our leaders wisdom, sincerity and courage to make decisions that will preserve justice, strengthen national unity and restore lasting peace and security to our beloved country,” the statement added.
