How we’ll stop governors from hijacking state police — Senate leader

Nigeria's Senate is moving to establish state police services that are shielded from the potential abuse of political actors, particularly state governors. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele detailed plans to amend the 1999 Constitution, proposing that the funding for these state police forces be designated as a "first-line charge." This means their budget would be automatically allocated, similar to how the judiciary's funds are guaranteed, ensuring operational independence.

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The funding should be a first-line charge in the ongoing amendment to the 1999 Constitution.

Bamidele, who also chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, acknowledged widespread concerns regarding the state police proposal. He stated that these concerns are "well founded" and cannot be ignored, citing historical precedents from Nigeria's First Republic. During that era, regional authorities possessed the power to establish police forces, a system that led to significant issues.

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Business, cabals, criminals and some other organisations could equally abuse the state police services if their financial independence was not guaranteed.

To prevent state police from becoming "private armies" for governors or being exploited by "business, cabals, criminals, and some other organizations," the National Assembly is developing safeguards. These safeguards will focus on personnel discipline while promoting institutional independence and fiscal autonomy. The "first-line charge" status for funding is crucial, as it would mean the Commissioner of Police and the State Police Service Commission would have a guaranteed source of funds directly from the constitution. This arrangement would prevent the police chief from being subject to the "whims and caprices of a state governor."

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Nearly all public concerns on the state police proposal are well founded and obviously cannot be swept under the carpet considering their weight and enormity.

This constitutional amendment aims to replicate the financial independence enjoyed by the judiciary. Bamidele explained that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, for example, does not require presidential approval for every procurement, unlike ministers who need presidential clearance to spend money. By making state police funding a first-line charge, the intention is to ensure that state police leadership can operate effectively without undue influence from state executives, thereby enhancing security and accountability across the nation.

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The Chief Justice of Nigeria, for instance, does not have to take her file to the President for approval on every procurement unlike a minister or any member of the Federal Executive Council that must secure presidential approval to spend any money.