Dr Umar Ardo, a former special adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Adamawa State in 2023, has cautioned against the implementation of state police in Nigeria under the current governance conditions.
In a statement titled, ‘The Dangers of Establishing State Police in Nigeria Under Current Governance Conditions,’ Dr. Ardo outlined his concerns regarding the potential consequences of granting state governors unchecked coercive powers.
Ardo’s argument revolves around the lack of a clear causal link between security challenges and the need for state police, coupled with unsubstantiated assumptions of its efficacy.
He emphasized the importance of adopting a more nuanced and evidence-based approach to security reform, addressing structural impediments, enhancing existing law enforcement capabilities, and adopting comprehensive security strategies.
Expressing apprehensions about the dangers posed by the establishment of state police under the prevailing governance circumstances, Ardo highlighted the risk of consolidating power in the hands of a few political elites.
He warned that granting state governors control over state police forces could undermine democracy, pluralism, and political participation rather than promoting security and the rule of law.
Ardo pointed out state governors’ chronic abuse of power and the erosion of democratic principles at the local government level as cautionary tales against further decentralizing coercive authority.
He stressed the need to prioritize institutional reforms, accountability mechanisms, and respect for democratic norms to safeguard democracy in Nigeria.
Moreover, Ardo challenged the narrative supporting the establishment of state police, noting the absence of concrete evidence linking its absence to the country’s security challenges.
He criticized proponents for relying on speculative assertions about its efficacy without empirical validation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms, capacity building, and accountability mechanisms in law enforcement.
Ardo underscored the importance of addressing systemic challenges and structural impediments that undermine effective policing, such as corruption, lack of training, inadequate resources, and weak coordination between security forces.
He advocated for alternative approaches prioritising strengthening and expanding existing federal law enforcement agencies, investing in training and capacity building, enhancing intelligence sharing mechanisms, promoting community engagement, and improving governance and rule of law at all governmental levels.
Ardo urged stakeholders, including President Bola Tinubu and advocates of democracy, to oppose the establishment of state police under the current governance conditions in Nigeria.
”There is a need for a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to security reform that addresses root causes and fosters sustainable security outcomes,” he added.
In a related development, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude, the Olowu of Kuta in Osun State, has expressed concern over the strain placed on Nigeria’s military due to its involvement in tasks beyond its constitutional mandate.
Addressing the press in his palace, the monarch highlighted the need for the government to shift focus towards equipping and empowering the Nigeria Police Force to handle internal security challenges effectively.
Oba Oyelude urged the federal government to allocate resources to enhance the police force’s capacity, including adequate funding, a workforce, and modern equipment.
