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By Sadiq Muhammed
In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed alarming instances of federal overreach into state affairs, a trend that poses significant dangers to the principles of federalism and democracy. This overreach, often manifested through actions by commissioners of police and even the president, has set a dangerous precedent that undermines the constitutional rights of state governments.
The cases of Governor Umar Abba and the Rivers State incident highlight the urgent need for establishing state police to safeguard state autonomy and ensure effective governance.
Federalism, by design, distributes power between the national and state governments, allowing each to operate independently within its jurisdiction.
This division is crucial for preventing tyranny and ensuring governance is responsive to local needs. However, when federal authorities usurp state powers, this delicate balance is disrupted, eroding the very fabric of democratic governance.
The Nigerian Constitution grants state governments and their assemblies the right to make laws and govern their territories as they deem fit.
Governor Abba, like other state leaders, is constitutionally empowered to address the unique challenges of his state. This autonomy is essential for tailoring solutions to local issues, promoting accountability, and enhancing the effectiveness of governance.
Recent incidents of meddling in state affairs, such as the chieftaincy matters which are purely state affairs by law, have shown how federal authorities are using the commissioner of police, the brigade commander, and the State Director of Security, to overstepped their bounds, interfering in state governance. Such actions not only undermine state authority but also set a dangerous precedent.
For instance, in Rivers State, the police used water cannons and tear gas against the governor, displaying blatant disregard for state authority and cooperation.
This kind of impunity is indicative of a broader problem of federal overreach.
Governor Abba’s situation exemplifies the risks associated with federal interference. Despite having the constitutional mandate to govern his state, he faces undue interference from federal authorities, which hampers his ability to serve his constituents effectively.
This overreach threatens to destabilize the state and erode public trust in democratic institutions. The recurring issues of federal overreach and impunity by federal authorities underscore the need for state police. State police would empower state governments to enforce laws and maintain order independently, reducing reliance on federal authorities.
Localized policing would ensure that law enforcement is more accountable to the communities they serve, fostering better relationships and trust, and would act as a counterbalance to federal power, ensuring that state authorities can govern without undue interference.
By upholding the principles of federalism, state police would contribute to a more balanced and democratic governance structure.
The usurpation of state government powers by the federal government through federal security agencies sets a dangerous precedent that threatens Nigeria’s federal structure and democratic integrity.
The incidents in states like Kano and Rivers highlight the urgent need for state police to safeguard state autonomy and ensure effective governance. As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, it is imperative to respect constitutional boundaries and empower state governments to fulfil their mandates without undue federal interference. Establishing state police is a crucial step towards achieving this goal, promoting accountability, and enhancing the responsiveness of governance to local needs.
Muhammed can be reached at [email protected], 08056859039
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