Falana cautions in opposition to potential misuse of state police by some governors

Authorized luminary, Femi Falana (SAN), has cautioned in opposition to the potential misuse of state police by some governors, urging for strong authorized safeguards to forestall them from changing into devices of oppression.

In a latest interview on Channels Tv, Falana underscored the necessity for clear authorized frameworks to make sure state police forces serve the folks, not the whims of particular person governors. He highlighted the present decentralization of safety, pointing to personal safety outfits working in estates and communities.

Falana emphasised the significance of clearly outlined jurisdictions for state police to keep away from inter-agency clashes. He confused the essential function of civilian oversight, advocating for a “people-police service” relatively than a “government-centred” one.

The famend lawyer attributed the present demand for state police to the perceived ineffectiveness of the federally managed drive. He pointed to Part 216 of the Structure, which mandates the Nigeria Police Council (NPC) to supervise essential police issues, together with personnel power and funding.

Falana criticized the obvious neglect of the NPC, a physique with a majority of state governors as members. He argued that state governors have an important function in managing the police drive, but the council hasn’t functioned as meant.

Whereas acknowledging the potential advantages of state police in a federal system, Falana emphasised the necessity for safeguards in opposition to political abuse. He pointed to current issues in regards to the federal police and confused the significance of making certain no stage of presidency – federal, state, or native – makes use of police energy to intimidate opponents.

Falana’s remarks come amidst renewed requires state police as a possible answer to Nigeria’s safety challenges. President Tinubu and governors have expressed assist for the idea, with 16 states already submitting experiences to the Nationwide Financial Council (NEC) in favor of amending the structure to create state police.

Nonetheless, the remaining 20 states haven’t but made their positions public, leaving the way forward for state police in Nigeria unsure.