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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The United States government has promised to be neutral in the deliberation of Nigeria to either institutionalise state police as a measure to stem criminality bedeviling the country or not.
Its Director of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, Jason Smith, stated this at a stakeholders’ dialogue on insecurity and state policing, yesterday in Abuja.
The dialogue brought together civil society groups and law enforcement officials, to discuss insecurity and the clamour for state policing.
Smith, who acknowledged the place of dialogue in addressing critical issues, commended the participation and collaborative efforts of Nigerian stakeholders to find solutions.
“The U.S. government has a rich history, spanning over 20 years of collaborating with our partners in Nigeria to bolster law enforcement and address criminal justice issues.
“We acknowledge the array of challenges currently confronting Nigeria. As previously mentioned, both countries operate under similar federal systems, yet approach law enforcement differently. Other nations have their own unique methods.
“My purpose here is not to dictate solutions to Nigeria, nor to prescribe a perfect remedy for enhancing service provision or policing.
“There is always room for improvement, but it must stem from a solution intrinsic to Nigeria. I am particularly impressed by the diverse array of stakeholders present today—civil society members investing their time and energy in a dialogue about how Nigeria can collectively address these challenges and generate recommendations for enhancing policing.
“Police forces are integral to any nation, serving as vital components of government infrastructure responsible for upholding and enforcing the law, thereby ensuring public safety and fostering stability.
“They play a pivotal role in establishing the rule of law necessary for a nation to reach its full potential.
“Ultimately, whatever path Nigeria chooses to pursue, I am confident that we will eagerly seize opportunities to continue collaborating with our Nigerian partners.
“Together, we will work towards finding solutions and supporting Nigeria’s efforts to enhance policing services, deliver better public services to its citizens, and foster trust in its institutions and the rule of law.”
Also, Executive Director of Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the urgency of the debate.whic is driven by escalating kidnappings, banditry, and perceived inadequacies of the current police structure, should be taken seriously.
Nwanguma said the panel on police reform had advised that any move towards state policing must adhere to principles of operational autonomy and professional practice.
He stated that as the National Assembly considers legislation to establish state police, the dialogue aims to incorporate diverse perspectives to find the most effective solution for policing and security in Nigeria.
“The decision by the president and state governors to establish state police is a response to these challenges. However, the debate is complex, with concerns over potential abuse of power and politicization,” he said.
In addition, the Keynote Speaker, Professor Etanibi Alemika, who dissected the the intersection of democratisation, decentralisation, and police effectiveness, said parents and guardians should wake up to their responsibilities of explaining to their children the danger of criminality.
