State Police Not Solution to Policing Problem -Ribadu
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Oyewale Oyelola
“State police is not solution to policing problem in Nigeria. If there is any problem, we must address not that everyone will be doing try and error”
Nuhu Ribadu
These were the words of Presidential Candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria in 2011 presidential election, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu during exclusive interview with Channels TV monitored by African Examiner.
According to him, State police might not work in emerging democracy like Nigeria because leaders have to examine the problems of policing in the country.
His words: “I have made myself clear that I am not in support of state police. I will not support anything that will affect the unity of this country. Leaders should examine the problems of Nigerian Police Force and address it. We cannot be running government as if we are running laboratory test- try and error.
“If people feel the president is using police against governors (like the case of Ameachi/Ibu saga), they should address the problems. They should ensure they institutionalize police like judiciary, by doing this Nigerian Police Force will be independent and they will discharge their duty without fear or favour”
The pioneer chairman of EFCC, while speaking of impunity in the country, urged leaders to be honest, transparent and live by example.
He said: “Leader at all level of government should be honest, transparent and lead by example. President and governors should live by example. For instance, if the governor is not corrupt, it will be difficult for followers to mess up. If anybody engages in sharp practices, they should be punished to serve as warning to others.
The Adamawa born politician highlighted ways to tackle corruption in Nigeria, “Setting up institution and structure will ensure compliance with due process-make sure contracts were not inflated. Monitoring and investigation are very important in tackling corruption but investigation and prosecution are critical. You know we prosecute wrong doers, it will serve as warning to others.”
RIbadu further stated that ‘Immunity Clause’ should still remain in the constitution, adding it will allow leader to focus on business of Leadership.
He however warned that Immunity clause does not mean leaders cannot be investigated and later face prosecution after their tenure in office.
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Is the present system working? Is the police accountable to the citizens of the areas in which they now operate? Can the Tiv people trust a Fulani police captain to really take care of their security need?
There is possibility for abuse under state police but cannot be as bad as the present system