Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr Monday Ubani, has described the proposed creation of state police as one of the most historic and visionary reforms in Nigeria’s democratic journey, but warned that the initiative may fail to deliver its full potential without functional local governments and effective safeguards against abuse.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Ubani commended the Federal Government’s move to decentralise policing, describing it as a bold step toward restructuring Nigeria’s federal system and addressing longstanding security challenges.
“The issue is that this is the most historic and bold legacy, the most visionary milestone by this government. It is really commendable in terms of restructuring our federal system of governance, and this is something we have advocated over the years in the issue of decentralising the policing system,” he said.
Ubani noted that proponents of state police have consistently argued that Nigeria’s highly centralised policing structure has failed to adequately protect lives and property across the country.
“This issue of over-centralisation cannot guarantee lives and property. Over the years, we have seen that we have not been able to attain that level of perfection in terms of proper policing. This arrangement by the government is clearly something that is commendable, especially because it is highly historic. We are very happy about it,” he said.
While praising the reform, the legal practitioner expressed concerns about the possibility of state governors abusing control of state police structures.
“Now, the fear of everyone, including those who were excited by this news yesterday, is the issue of abuse by the state police. We have seen what has happened over time, how power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. We are very afraid of that,” Ubani said.
He acknowledged that some measures had been introduced to limit governors’ influence over recruitment and appointments but argued that leaving the appointment of state commissioners of police in the hands of governors could still create room for abuse.
“My own suggestion would have been that it is the State Police Commission that should actually appoint whoever is going to be the State Commissioner of Police. But now they have left it in the hands of the governor. Of course, the House of Assembly has to ratify that appointment, but for me, the issue of abuse is something that is still real.”
Ubani stressed that the effectiveness of the proposed law would ultimately depend on its implementation.
“There is no perfect law anywhere. The most important thing is implementation. How effective are we going to be in terms of fidelity to the implementation of the law and according to the intention of those who drafted it? That is very critical.”
The senior lawyer argued that security reforms must go beyond state policing and include strengthening local government administration, which he described as the foundation of effective security management.
“Without a functional local government, no matter the level of security architecture we provide in the country, we will not be able to get the expected and effective security of lives and property. We need to have a functional local government in addition to state police,” he said.
According to Ubani, local governments are best positioned to tackle insecurity because they are closest to the people and understand their environments.
“Security is local. If I am the chairman of my local government, I know all the entry and exit points in my area. I can ensure that security personnel monitor those points. If all the 774 local governments in the federation are allowed to operate fully and are in charge of security in their various areas, tell me why Nigeria will not be safe?” he asked.
He lamented the existence of ungoverned spaces across the country, arguing that weak local government administration has contributed to the problem.
“As I speak to you today, there are so many ungoverned areas in Nigeria. Most local governments are being controlled by bandits. Why? Because the local government is not functional. They are not in charge of securing their environment.”
Ubani also accused state governors of undermining local government effectiveness by withholding funds meant for grassroots administration.
“You must give them the money that the Federal Government gives every month to local governments. It doesn’t get to them. The governors are intercepting that money and using it for other purposes, and that has rendered local governments ineffective.”
On the controversial provision allowing federal authorities to intervene in state police operations during exceptional circumstances, Ubani said such powers are necessary to maintain checks and balances within the system.
“It happens even in America where federal authorities come in when there is an overwhelming security situation at the state level or where there is abuse by a state executive using the police apparatus. There must be checks and balances in every situation.”
He, however, warned that the Federal Government’s intervention powers could also be abused if not properly monitored.
“We may also begin to experience oppression from the Federal Government in the use of these powers. But the most important thing is that the judiciary must be alive to its responsibility in creating balance wherever there is any excess, whether at the state level or the federal level.”
Responding to concerns that political actors could undermine state police structures in the same way they have allegedly fuelled insecurity in parts of the country, Ubani insisted that Nigeria could not afford to abandon reforms because of such fears.
“We cannot stop these reforms because of the issues that have been raised. The most important thing is employing professional policemen, training them, retraining them and funding them.”
He argued that Nigerian police personnel have repeatedly demonstrated their capability when adequately supported.
“I have seen situations where the Nigerian police want to work and they work. Where there is encouragement and support, they work. They need support, they need encouragement, they need funding.”
Ubani expressed confidence that a properly funded and professionally trained state police system could significantly improve security outcomes.
“Now that we are going to have state police, if these officers are properly funded and well trained, why won’t they perform better? Why do they perform better when they are abroad? It is because of the conducive environment.”
Despite concerns about institutional weaknesses and political interference, the SAN maintained that the proposed reform remains a landmark development that should be supported.
“What happened yesterday was very historic, very bold. When we begin to implement these laws and discover flaws, we can begin to correct them. There is no perfect law and no perfect system.”
“I am not going to give up. Nigeria has many prospects and we will succeed. What we must continue to do is say the things that need to be said and pursue the right course so that this country will become one that all of us can be proud of,”he concluded.
Boluwatife Enome
Follow us on:
