By Adeyinka Adeniran
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, among other stakeholders have harped on the need for a reform of the Police for greater efficiency, professionalism through citizen oversight.
The stakeholders spoke in their separate remarks at the opening of a two days retreat on supporting Police reform process in Nigeria project with the theme “Civilian oversight in Nigeria Police Affairs”, which held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State.
The retreat which was organised by the Police Service Commission (PSC) in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other development partners had the top leadership of the Nigerian Police Force, Police Service Commission, Office of the National Security Adviser, lawmakers, policy makers among other stakeholders in attendance.
Speaking, Mallam Ribadu who was represented by AIG Emmanuel Effiom (rtd) said just like any human endeavour and entity worldwide, Nigeria Police Force requires reappraisal, retooling, and redefining its needfulness for professional and adequate service delivery to fulfill its mandate.
Noting that he aligns with the Police Service Commission’s vIsion of change management, which is one of the specific objectives of the Nigeria Police Act, as stated in Section 2, Part I of the Police Act 202O, the NSA expresses optimism that the retreat will yield the desired result.
Ribadu said “It is universally accepted that the future of any human endeavour necessitates, at various points in time, reappraisal, retooling, and redefining its needfulness. The Nigeria Police Force, like any policing entity worldwide, requires the application of these three structural phases for professional and adequate service delivery to fulfil its mandate.
“In this light, I recognize and fully support the Police Service Commission’s vIsion of change management, which aligns with one of the specific objectives of the Nigeria Police Act, as stated in Section 2, Part I of the Police Act 202O.
“Accordingly, it is hoped that this 2 day Police Leadership Forum will produce definitive and practical tools for various cadres of management to achieve these objectives. Our dear country stands at a critical juncture, poised for transformation in alignment with global best practices of accountable policing and responsibility.
“All hands must, therefore, be on deck to ensure the realization of this vital project. I sincerely urge all stakeholders and participants to demonstrate, in very practical terms, the necessity of this retreat.”
In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio speaking on “Civilian oversight in Nigeria: strengthening Police accountability and public trust” said civilian oversight of the police is an indispensable mechanism for promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement institutions.
He said effective civilian oversight is particularly essential and desirable in the context of Nigeria, where the relationship between the police and the public has often been fraught with tension.
Akpabio who was represented by Senator Amos Yohana identified the various challenges that has rocked the Police which had eroded public trust hence the need for reforms to ensure the police follow the law and respect citizens’ rights.
He noted that the need to strengthen ability and authority of oversight organizations including Police Service Commission (PSC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), cannot be overstated, adding that it is critical to provide them with enough resources, legal backing, and operational independence so that they can function effectively.
He said “Civilian oversight of the police is an indispensable mechanism for promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement institutions. In the context of Nigeria, where the relationship between the police and the public has often been fraught with tension, effective civilian oversight is not merely desirable but essential.
“The Nigerian police force has faced numerous challenges including corruption claims, human rights violations, and a lack of accountability. These challenges have eroded public trust and highlighted the need for reforms to ensure the police follow the law and respect citizens’ rights.
“Civilian oversight authorities such as the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) play important role in this regard. They offer an independent examination of police actions, investigate complaints, and propose appropriate disciplinary consequences.
“The need to strengthen these oversight organizations ability and authority, cannot be overstated. It is critical to provide them with enough resources, legal backing, and operational independence so that they can function effectively.
“It is also critical to establish an accountable culture within the police force. This includes teaching officers about human rights, ethical behavior, and the value of community policing, which can help bridge the gap between the police and the communities they serve.
“Encouraging citizens to report misconduct and interact with oversight organizations, can lead to a more responsive and accountable police force. This participatory approach guarantees that the community’s concerns are addressed and that the police are viewed as partners in ensuring public safety rather than adversaries.
“Civilian oversight in Nigeria represents a critical step towards reforming the police sector and rebuilding public trust. By strengthening the capacity of oversight bodies, fostering accountability within the police, and encouraging public participation, Nigeria can create a law enforcement system that is transparent, accountable, and respected by the citizens it serves.”
Governor Seyi Makinde who was represented by his deputy at the event said the Police has been in bad light in the sight of the members of the public for wrong reasons.
He charged participants to interrogate the constitutional provisions of Section 214 in deciding what to come up with in terms of civilian oversight.
He also seized the opportunity to explain the various support the state government, just like others across the country has been providing for the Police, adding that the Federal Government needs to make more support available for the Police.
In his remarks, UNDP Programme Specialist, Ruke of Law and Human Right Office, Napoleon Enayaba said the retreat marks a significant step to reflect on the progress made and explore ways to sustain and strengthen the police reforms that has been initiated.
“A more deliberate effort to ensure respect for inclusiveness, diversity, equality within NIgerian Police Force is crucial as it is equally important that police are adequately empowered to perform their mandatory roles effectively. Police personnel are entrusted with extensive powers to maintain law and order but with such powers come the responsibility to uphold human rights and operate within the uprights of the law.
“Accountability are essential that police officers adhere to professional standards and gain the trust of the public and ensure that police remain accountable to the people. As we gather today we must strategically engage to find solution to effective accountability and police oversight to enhance public safety, trust and driving the transformation of police service inline with global best practices.”
