The Nation Newspaper

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  • Forum to train Abia youths

    Forum to train Abia youths

    The Nigerian German Investors Forum has concluded plans to train youths in Abia on waste recycling, Mr Saturday Jackson, the forum’s Co-ordinator,has said in Berlin.

    He told reporters in the German capital that the forum was already talking with the Abia State government to clean up the wastes in the state.

    “This will help to create jobs for the youths and generate revenue for the state,’’ Jackson said.

    He said some wastes would be recycled locally, while others, such as carcasses of cars, would be taken to Germany for recycling.

    The forum co-ordinator added that wastes that would be recycled locally would be turned into fertiliser and be given at no cost to farmers in the state.

    He also said the forum would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Environment to set up a waste recycling plant in Abuja.

    Jackson, who is also the Chairman, Goodluck Jonathan Support Group in Germany, held that the Nigerian government could create over 20,000 jobs through the recycling of wastes.

    The forum co-ordinator blamed the underdevelopment of Nigeria on the failure of past governments to effectively manage the country’s natural resources.

    He expressed optimism that with the right political will and effective management of the country‘s resources, Nigeria would achieve its desire of becoming one of the most developed economies by 202

     

    “Germany is not as endowed as Nigeria is in terms of natural resources, but with better management of its coal deposits, it has been able to achieve development.

    “Nigeria can do it with the right political will and determination of both the government and the people’’, Jackson said.

    He said the forum was working out a plan to ensure that Nigerians got scholarships to study at the Masters’ degree level in German universities.

     

     

     

     

  • Southeast governors tackle insecurity

    Southeast governors tackle insecurity

    overnors of states in the South East zone of the country have set a committee to eradicate “the menace of security challenges’’ in the area.

    Briefing newsmen at the end of a joint security meeting, which was also attended by heads of security agencies in the zone, the Chairman of the governor’s forum, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, said the governors were committed to eradicating all forms of criminalities in the zone.

    Obi said the committee, which is headed by Maj.-Gen. Olayinka Oshinowo, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Enugu, would report back to the governors in two weeks.

    He said the committee would come out with a plan on how to deal with security challenges in the zone.

    “Today, we held a joint committee of all the security agencies in the South East Zone to discuss common security operations. The governors are committed to eradicating all forms of criminalities in the zone.

    “We held a meeting today to discuss this and thereafter, set up a committee headed by the GOC to come out with a plan on how we can deal with security issues ranging from kidnapping and others in the southeast.

    “The committee will come out with what is required to provide the south east with effective security,’’ the chairman said.

    In an interview with newsmen, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State said that lack of employment was not a sufficient reason for anybody to engage in crime.

    “It is not unemployment that causes crime. People who engage in crime have no excuse because they can engage in agriculture to survive.

    “Agriculture is the only option left for the country to survive on as the number of white collar jobs available for youths are inadequate to meet demands.

    “Agriculture is actually the only option left because it can employ many people,’’ Okorocha said.

    Present at the meeting were Governors Theodore Orji of Abia, Sullivan Chime of Enugu and the deputy governor of Ebonyi State, Mr Dave Umahi.

    Also in attendance were the GOC, 82 Division, Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Olayinka Oshinowo, the Enugu State Comptroller of Immigration, Mr Gerrard Dilibe and heads of other security agencies in the zone.

     

  • NDDC to sanction erring contractors

    NDDC to sanction erring contractors

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is set to purge erring contractors just as it threatens to review the Ayetoro land reclamation and shore protection contract in Ondo State.

    Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Christian Oboh who stated this when he led a team of NDDC Board members on an inspection tour of Ondo, Edo and Delta States, said the moves have become imperative in view of the attitude of some contractors.

    Represented by Ondo State Representative on the board, Omogbein Oladele, Dr. Oboh lamented that the project conceived to save communities in the area threatened by high waves from the ocean was being treated with levity.

    He assured the people of Ayetoro and other beneficiaries of NDDC projects that the commission was determined to complete ongoing projects in line with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “The commission is now paying contractors as soon as they achieved specified milestones’, we have also placed some key projects on fast-track to ensure that they are completed in the shortest possible time” he said.

    According to the Managing Director “cases of agitations would be reduced when numerous projects being executed by the commission were completed and handed over”.

    He, therefore, charged contractors working for the NDDC to buckle up as “the board will not entertain excuses for non performance”.

    The inspection team visited the Obozogbe-Abudu 24km road in Edo State which they described as not only commendable but a testimony of commitment on the part of some local contractors.

    The team also expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the Ugheli multi billion Naira flood control project as well as the university hostel projects at Abraka.

  • Council gets new market

    Council gets new market

    The new market built by Oriade Local Council Development Area in Lagos State has begun to attract buyers and sellers of various goods from far and near.

    The facility conceived after several markets in the council were demolished to pave way for the 10-lane Badagry road ,has become a centre of economic activities in the area.

    Taking newsmen round the market recently,the Baba-Oja of Ijegun Egba in Oriade Local Council Development Area, Alao-Idowu Abisoro, lauded the council’s committee on land and properties, for its prompt response and building the shops in different grades to meet the demand of traders.

    According to Abisoro who was accompanied by some of the council officials and the host community royal kinsmen, the market site has long been allocated to the council for public use by the two royal houses in Ijegun Egba.

    “About 15 markets with more than 1000 locked up and open shops were destroyed during the demolition of structures carried out by the government to create way for the road construction that is going on and since then, traders don’t have place to sell but I am happy with the timely intervention of the council for developing this satellite market.

    “As you can see, traders are happy selling in a peaceful atmosphere, unlike the former situation when buying and selling were done by the roadside. Now there is security and toilet, parking space and the council is traders- friendly. Traders now display their wares or goods in groups and those who sell fruits from neighbouring states”.

    Also showering praises on the council for bringing smiles back to the faces of traders in the area, Alhaji Babatunde Adeo Sogunro , said their father was delighted to give the land for public use, noting that the new market is wish of the founding fathers of the community.

    He debunked the insinuation that his father sold the piece of land to Management Enterprise Limited saying “My father has power of Altorney on the land as the head of Ibasa Alagbo family. I heard that somebody claimed the council is an illegal occupant of this market site saying my father who gave the land out for community thumb printed.

    He said:“I must tell you that my father was a Cambridge certiificate holder who later worked in the Nigerian Air Force. He is learned, so for somebody to have alleged that my father thumb printed in any alleged transaction giving out this piece of land is a white lie. My father took a plane down to Ibasa here in 1940.”

    According to Hon Akeem Agbelega , the council leader, the peaceful atmosphere in the market is a reflection of the council area at large which is devoid of violence and acrimony irrespective of differences in the tribes of residents.

  • Community trains 60 unemployed youths

    Community trains 60 unemployed youths

    No fewer than 60 youths from Netim community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State have been trained on various skills by the community.

    The unemployed youths were trained in events management, meat and fish production and confectioneries production.

    The village head of the community, Chief Augustine Orok, confirmed this to reporters in Akamkpa.

    Orok said that the training programme was undertaken by the community to give the youths a sense of belonging and prepare them for self-employment.

    He explained that the programme was part of the community’s effort to reduce youth unemployment and youth restiveness “and remove them from other social vices”.

    He added that the training was also extended to undergraduates from the community in tertiary institutions, saying that “such persons have special time allocated for their own training”.

    Orok said that the 60 persons benefitted in the first phase of the programme and advised interested youths, especially those who could not participate in the concluded one to wait for the second phase.

    “In the second phase, we will introduce computer training,’’ he said.

    He appealed to the state government to construct the Okomita-Netim road and provide electricity in the community to improve economic life of the people.

    He said that the state government was generating revenue from natural resources, including crushed rock, in the area and urged it to use part of the revenue to provide infrastructure for the people.

  • Ebonyi seeks foreign help

    Ebonyi seeks foreign help

    The Ebonyi State government has sought Japan’s assistance to complete its projects and enhance partnership in areas of mutual interest.

    The Acting Governor of the state,Chief Dave Umahi, made the request in Abakaliki after leading a delegation of the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria to inspect projects across the state.

    Umahi asked for support in the areas of the completion and reticulation of its N12 billion ultra-modern water schemes, assisting rural women in small-scale salt processing and exploration of the mineral resources in the state, among others.

    “We would appreciate the sustenance of our partnership with both the Japanese Embassy and UNIDO in agriculture and agro-processing, especially rice processing and value addition.

    “It is interesting to note that the modern rice mills being constructed in the three senatorial zones of the state are being equipped by the Satake Corporation of Japan.

    “We decided to partner with Satake in recognition of its track record in this area and appreciation of our long-standing partnership with the government and people of Japan.”

    According to the acting governor, the state needs accelerated paddy production to feed the installed capacity of about 100-tonne per hour rice mills across the state.

    “We are aware that Japan has the expertise in paddy production and large commercial farming that makes us implore you to bring reputable investors to partner with us in this direction.’’

    He noted that in the health sector, the government of Japan had extended grants to non-governmental hospitals, to effectively serve the healthcare needs of rural dwellers.

    “We have so far, committed N1.2 billion to this scheme and followed it up by awarding contracts for the rehabilitation of general hospitals across the 13 local government areas in the state, at the cost of N2.6 billion.

    “We, therefore, request your assistance towards the provision of requisite equipment in the hospitals,” he said.

    Replying,Mr Ryuichi Shoji, the Japanese Ambassador praised the Ebonyi government for it developmental strides and promised to assist the state in achieving its objectives.

    “With what we have seen so far across the state, Ebonyi, despite being a young state, is poised to attain great developmental strides due to the polices and programmes of the government,” he added

    Mr Patrick Konawa, the UNIDO Country Representative in Nigeria, noted that the organisation had installed a three-tonne per hour efficient rice milling machine at Iboko in Izzi Local Government Area, to enhance its rice production potential.

    “The installation process has been completed but it remains a steady source of power supply for the facility to take off,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, projects inspected during included: the three rice clusters at Ikwo, Izzi and Afikpo South LGA, the modern water schemes at Ofrekpe (Ikwo), among others.

  • Group urges youths against violence

    Group urges youths against violence

    Youths in the country have been advised to shun violence and embrace peace where they can best express their God-given talents and make their contribution to the development of the country.

    The advice was given by the spokesman of Citinet Group, Mr Ola Akintonwa AbdulRasheed at a press briefing and lecture in memory of those who lost their lives in the fateful September 11,2001 bombing in the United States of America. The event was held at the University of Lagos Guest House,Akoka,Yaba,Lagos.

    He urged the youth to always be positive, hardworking and patriotic, saying they should shun all negative values.

    In a lecture entitled: Islam and Peace, Alhaja Rafat Hassan M’Awwal asserted that Islam preaches peace and guarantees freedom of religion to non-Muslims even in environments administered by Muslims.

    According to the speaker, Islam builds relationship among individuals, groups based on brotherhood, equality and non differentiation between them due to tribe, religion and wealth.

    “Besides, Islam ensures freedom of faith for non Muslims and builds relationship among other nations. It does not encourage Jihad religion because of aggressions or revenge”. The activities of Boko Haram, therefore, constitute an abberation to the religion and should be condemned.

    Akintonwa used the occasion to thank the Managing Director of Consolidated Siscourt Ltd, Mr Leke Shittu for his benevolence and support and Mr Gbenga Hassan who represented him. Consolidated Discount Ltd had earlier said. “We identify with Citinet Group and Rafatulah Awwal Islamic Foundation because of their persistent efforts in promoting peace in the country and commitment to corporate social responsibility in line with government policy, youth development and less privileged in the society. We shall try to support you annually”.

    He added that Mr Shittu will be honoured on October 1 for his humanitarian gesture as part of activities marking Nigerian Independence.

  • Nigeria tightens security after US Embassy attacks

    Nigeria tightens security after US Embassy attacks

    Obama: justice will be done

    NIGERIA rose yesterday to the likely security challenges thrown up by violent demonstrations in some parts of the world sparked by a United States film believed to have been religiously offensive.

    The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, ordered tight security around police formations, embassies and foreign missions.

    Deputy Force Public Relations Officer Frank Mba said yesterday in a statement: “Consequently, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, has placed all police formations across the federation on red alert. In this regard, the IGP has directed all zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police to ensure a 24-hour water-tight security in and around all Embassies and Foreign Missions in Nigeria as well as other vulnerable targets.

    “In addition, the AIG in charge of Intelligence and Commissioners of Police in charge of the various Police Special Squads, such as the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Police Mobile Force (PMF) and Special Protection Unit (SPU) have been directed to ensure that their personnel are strategically deployed to prevent and nip all potential crises in the bud.

    “While assuring law abiding citizens of the readiness and capacity of the Nigeria Police to provide adequate security for life and property, the IGP warned potential trouble makers to stay off the streets of Nigeria as the nation’s security agencies will bring to bear the full weight of the law on all laws breakers.

    “The IGP also advised parents and guardians to monitor their wards closely to protect them from negative influences of mischief makers who may want to lure them into criminal and unwholesome acts.”

    The UN Security Council condemned the killing of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya and three other embassy staff.

    Ambassador Christopher Stevens and the others were killed in an attack by unidentified armed men.

    The Security Council’s condemnation was read by Ambassador Peter Wittig, the President of the Security Council during the Council session at the UN Headquarters in New York.

    “I am sure that I speak for all of us in strongly condemning the killing of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya and three other embassy staff and expressing our heartfelt condolences to our U.S. colleagues here and to the families and loved ones of the victims,” he said.

    The attackers stormed the grounds of the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi overnight, angered by a video produced in the U.S., which was said to have insulted the Prophet Muhammad.

    The United States said it was taking measures to protect its citizens worldwide.

    In Libya, witnesses say members of a radical Islamist group, Ansar al-Sharia, protested near the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, where NATO jets established no-fly zones last year to halt ground attacks from then-Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi.

    The group then clashed with security forces in the city, blocking roads leading to the consulate, witnesses said.

    The US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, said in a statement.

    “Our hearts go out to all their families and colleagues,” Clinton said.

    “All the Americans we lost in yesterday’s attacks made the ultimate sacrifice. We condemn this vicious and violent attack that took their lives, which they had committed to helping the Libyan people reach for a better future,” she added.

    In an earlier statement, Clinton said she condemned the attack on the U.S. facilities “in the strongest terms” and that following Tuesday’s events, the U.S. government was “working with partner countries around the world to protect our personnel, our missions and American citizens worldwide.”

    Libya’s General National Congress also condemned the attack in Benghazi, saying it “led to the regrettable injury and death of a number of individuals.” Lawmakers said in a statement Tuesday night that they were investigating.

    President Barack Obama, delivering a statement in the Rose Garden, with Mrs Clinton at his side, said: “The United States condemns in the strongest terms this outrageous and shocking attack.” He said the US was working with the Libyan government to bring the attackers to justice.”Make no mistake, justice will be done,” Obama said, pausing slightly to underscore the declaration.

    The President said Ambassador Stevens had played a crucial role in the liberation of Libya and that he was an indispensable source of knowledge about what was happening in Benghazi, where he had been posted during the overthrow of Gaddafi.

    The President repeats a line from Clinton’s address: “There is absolutely no justification for this type of senseless violence. None.”

    United States officials say some 50 Marines are being sent to Libya to reinforce security at U.S. diplomatic facilities.

    The Marines are members of an elite group known as a Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team, whose role is to respond on short notice to terrorism threats and to reinforce security at U.S. embassies. They operate worldwide.

    The officials, who disclosed the plan to send the Marines, spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly.

     

  • I won’t allow interference in Judiciary, says CJN

    I won’t allow interference in Judiciary, says CJN

    •Falana, Jacobs, Ananaba, Mogaji, others now SANs

    Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar yesterday promised progressive revolution in the judiciary.

    She also vowed to resist interference from other arms of government by upholding the rule of law and strict adherence to the Constitution.

    The CJN spoke in Abuja at the Special Court Session to mark the beginning of the 2012/2013 legal year, and the swearing-in of 25 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).

    She said the judiciary would continue “to retain its place as the last bastion of what is good, decent and Godly about humanity.”

    Besides, she said, the judiciary under her leadership will serve as a check on other arms of the government by interpreting the Constitution to determine their “extent and scope of powers and whether any action of any arm of government transgresses such limits.

    “It is the judiciary which has to ensure that the law is observed and that there is compliance with the requirements of law on the part of the government. Our courts should be Independent and subject only to the Constitution and the law, which they apply impartially, without fear, favour and prejudice. Without judicial independence, there can be no preservation of democratic values.”

    The new SANs are Human Rights Activist Femi Falana; former Dean of Faculty of Law Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Professor Yemi Akinseye-George; Ekiti State Attorney General Akinlaja Dayo Moses; Rotimi Oluseyi Oguneso and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs.

    Others are former Plateau State Attorney General, Professor Dakas James Dakas, Mrs. Joy Adesina, Mrs. Connie-Jean Aremu, Adekunle Theophilus Oyesanya, Henry Ogbodu, Paul Ananaba, Solicitor of Babcock University, Ilishan, Remo, Ogun State; Francis Chuka Agbu, and Ahmed Raji.

    There are also Ogwu James Onoja, Mahmud Abubakar Magaji, Selekeowei Larry, Aliyu Umar, Illo Katune Sanusi, Oluseye Samuel Opansanya, Garba Tetengi, Abeni O. Mohammed, Aduroja Oluwamuyiwa, Charles Obishai, Ndukwe Nnawuchi and Luke Chukwudi Ilogu.

    Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Isiaka Ajimobi (Oyo); former CJN S.M.A Belgore and deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama among others, attended the ceremony.

    Lamenting that there are an estimated 40,000 prisoners in Nigeria with about two-thirds of them not convicted, the CJN said the judiciary alone cannot ensure speedy trial without the prosecuting agencies playing their role.

    “The court cannot on its own prosecute criminal cases, there must be the willingness of all prosecuting agencies to prosecute cases brought before our courts especially high profile cases of corruption and all others”, she added.

    The CJN commended states that have introduced alternative punitive measures like community service, non- custodian sentences and probation, to decongest the prisons.

    “Implementation of these policies will no doubt be of great benefit to the government and the society at large,” she said.

    The CJN who promised speedy dispensation of justice in this legal year, also identified inadequate funding as one of the major problems confronting administration of justice.

    She regretted that the situation leaves judges at the mercy of state executives and politicians.

    “Unlike the federal judiciary that enjoys 90% of financial independence, inadequate funding and inaccessibility to funds appropriated to states’ judiciary in the budget, is a bane of administration of justice.

    “This situation calls for mutual and progressive partnership with the executive with a hope to finding a lasting solution to this lingering menace,” Justice Mukhtar stated.

    The CJN urged the new SANs to conduct themselves in line with the principles of the rule of law firmly anchored on the fundamental values of society.

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Okey Wali (SAN) called for a review of the criteria for the selection of new SANs.

    He said the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) should include the NBA President as a member.

    Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), commended the apex court for “profound judgments and rich jurisprudence”.

     

  • On state police, divided we stand

    On state police, divided we stand

    Rising insecurity in the country has led to renewed calls for the establishment of state police. Many believe unitary police is antithetical to federalism. Others say state police will be abused, writes LEKE SALAUDEEN reports

     

    The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) is the umbrella body of governors in the country. On this platform, they have met to take stands on issues.

    But for the Governor Rotimi Amaechi-led group, one issue its members have been unable to take a stand on is the desirability or otherwise of state police. It is a matter that has divided the forum along geo-political lines.

    Governors in the South are for the establishment of state police. They believe it is the answer to the worsening security situation. But their colleagues from the North think otherwise. They allign with the Presidency, which believes the country is not ripe for regional police formations.

    The governors of the North and the Presidency have allies in former Inspectors-General of Police, who have said state police was an invitation to anarchy.

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), led by Gen. Jeremiah Useni, also believes state police would be misused by governors.

    Gen. Useni, on Tuesday, said: “State police will be tools for governors to deal with the opposition.”

    But for Senate President David Mark, there is wisdom in setting up state police. Mark advised those kicking against the establishment of state police to think twice about the issue.

    A former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, also supports the establishment of state police. He said its establishment would help curb violent and crimes.

    Former Lagos State Police Commissioner Mr Young Arebamen (rtd) believes the security challenges have grown beyond the competence of a centralised police. He advised the Federal Government not to politicise the issue of state police.

    “I can’t understand why some people are afraid of state police. If we have done something for 50 years and we still have problem of insecurity in the system, it is high time we began to think differently,” he said.

    On the perceived fear that the state police will be misused by state governors, the former police boss said it’s neither here nor there.

    He said: “If you eat eba that contained poison in the 60s, will you because of that stop taking eba? The answer is No. All you need to do is to avoid poison. Similarly, control measures should be spelt out in the constitution to avoid abuse of state police by state governors. We should learn lessons from history and proffer solutions for today and tomorrow.

    “I wouldn’t know the flaws in the system (state police) in early 60s but history must have treated those flaws. It is expected that we should learn from those flaws to project for tomorrow. If you are living in the past and doing some unnatural things you should not expect better result.”

     

    Funding the police

     

    On the insinuation that the state police will constitute a financial burden on state governments, the question to be asked, according to Arebamen, is: Who is funding the police? He said the state governments are mostly responsible for the material and financial needs of the federal police. Using Lagos State as a case study, Arebamen said the state government provides police with patrol vehicles, maintain and fuel the vehicles, bullet proof vests, arms and ammunition, telecommunication gadgets and also pay special allowance to those serving in the anti-crime squads.

    He said: “If Fashola had not provided these things, how would Lagos be secured? We should take politics out of security problems and face the reality of time.”

    Former Senate Minority Leader Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora spoke in favour of the establishment of state police. He said the demand for state police by some state governors is legitimate and desirable.

     

    Who is the Chief Security Officer?

     

    Mamora condemned the situation in which the state governors as chief security officers of their states have no powers over the state police commissioners on law enforcement in their states. The police commissioners won’t take directives from governors unless directed to do so by the Inspector General of Police.

    He said: “Look at what happened in Ogun State under Gbenga Daniel. He ordered the closure of House of Assembly for more than a year. If such governor had the opportunity of setting up state police, he would have turned the state into an empire.

    “The federal police too is subject to abuse by its principal-Federal Government. Remember what happened to Chris Ngige when he was governor of Anambra State. He was abducted by the police on the instruction of the Presidency. If that could happen to a sitting governor who relied on federal police for his personal security, then who is safe?

    “When you juxtaposed this experience with state police demand, the main issue is the capacity of the politicians to manipulate and abuse. Nevertheless, the advantages of the state police outweigh the bad side of it. To avoid misuse, we must put in place checks and balances that would make it difficult for politicians to manipulate for political gains.

    “We must also restructure the police so that it can respond promptly to circumstances in the states they are policing. State governors should have some level of powers to act promptly in time of emergencies without looking up to Abuja.”

    A Special Adviser to Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Adekunle Amos, said it is wrong for anyone to say that state governments cannot fund state police. He said states are responsible for 70 per cent of police’s needs.

    He said: “In Osun State, we provide them patrol vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers, bullet-proof vests, fuel and maintain police vehicles and even pay them special allowances on monthly basis.”

    He dismissed the argument that the state governors would manipulate the state police for political gains, adding that the functions of the police and the relationship with governors should be stated in the constitution.

    “Can we say because the Federal Government has been using the police to rig elections and intimidate the opposition, we should scrap it? No. The issue is that the governors as chief security officers of the states should have their own police since we are operating a federal system. If there is riot in Osun, the governor has to wait for directive from Abuja to quell it. The present arrangement is not normal.”

    Abuja-based lawyer Mr John Uyigue told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the establishment of state police was long overdue.

    He allayed fears that the state governors would wield undue influence on state police and probably use them to intimidate or oppress their perceived opponents.

    “State police do not mean that they would operate without any supervision or that they would be law unto themselves.

    “In other developing democracies the world over, state police always complement the federal police, just like you have in India and the United States. There are federal laws and there are state laws,’’ he said.

     

    State police in another form

     

    Uyigwe observed that a resemblance of state police already existed across the country, as most of the states had created special security squads from the police to respond to specific crisis situations.

    “We have ‘Rapid Respond Squad’ in Lagos State, we have ‘Operation Zuma’ in Niger and we have ‘Operation Yakin (war)’in Kaduna State. Besides, we have ‘Operation Desert Storm’ in Yobe,’’ he added.

    He recommended that instead of opposing the creation of state police outright, the citizens should brainstorm on the modalities of setting up state police, as it was somewhat a necessity.

     

    States’ support for police

     

    As a result of the gross underfunding of the police by the Federal Government, some state governments have had no choice but to provide logistics and financial support for police serving in their states.

    Lagos State has, through its Security Trust Fund, provided equipment for the police and other security agencies. These include 20 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 400 patrol vehicles, 44 police authority motor cycles, five police patrol boats, 1,000 AK-47 assault rifles 1,500 bulletproof vests, over 500 walkie talkies. The state government is responsible for the maintenance of the equipment. Police serving in anti-crime and anti- robbery squads are paid special allowance every month by the state government.

    Osun State has procured five Armoured Personnel Carriers, 30 Patrol vehicles, crash helmet, motor bikes and bulletproof vests for the state police command. About 300 policemen involved in crime fighting in the state are paid monthly allowance by the state.

    Ogun State has set up anti-robbery and crime squad code named Quick Response Squad (QRS). To ensure effective policing of the state, government has donated 175 Hilux vehicles, five APCs, bulletproof vests and communication gadgets. Special allowances are paid to officers serving on QRS and OP-MESA. It was learnt that Governor Ibikunle Amosun has made funds available to repaint police barracks.

    Ekiti State has also provided Hillux Pick-Up vans and APCs and telecommunication equipment to the police to ensure effective patrol and prompt response in case of emergencies. The government is responsible for fuelling and maintenance of the police vehicles.

     

     

    Police in other lands

     

    Two types of police exist in United States. They are Federal and State Police. Federal police is tasked with enforcing Federal laws. There are over 70Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. Some of these agencies employ uniformed police officers who provide security and conduct foot patrols around federal property. Other agencies hire criminal investigators called special agents who conduct investigations. Any federal law enforcement officer can arrest someone who committed a federal crime.

    State police is unique to each state in the United States. It has state wide authority to conduct law enforcement activities and criminal investigations. They perform functions such as enforcing traffic laws on state highways and interstate expressways, overseeing the security of the state capitol complex and protecting the governor.

    The police forces in UK are classified into two: Territorial Police and Special Police Forces.

    Territorial Police Forces have jurisdiction in one of the distinct legal systems of United Kingdom either England and Wales, Scotland or Ireland. They have powers of a constable throughout their own legal system but limited powers in other two legal systems. Central Scotland Police, Cleveland Police, Durham police, Lancashire constabulary and Bedfordshire police fall under Territorial police.

    Special Police Forces are national police that have a specific, non regional jurisdiction.They are distinguished by having duties and responsibilities associated with particular legal or illegal activities rather than geographical areas which are used by a single territorial police. Examples are British Transport Police that overlook National Rail network and Ministry of Defence Police that cater for military establishments.