PH
A principal policy strategist has called for some reforms to be implemented at the Nigeria Police Force.
“Nigeria needs to completely overhaul its police institute with a comprehensive reform that will usher in a seasoned and improved trained police men and women,” said Emeka Chiakwelu, Principal Policy Strategist at Africa Political and Economic Strategic Centre (AFRIPOL).
Chiakwelu said Nigeria’s reform of the police would not be a “piecemeal”where many issues affecting the force would be relegated to the background for a “quick fix.”
“A comprehensive solution will be a panacea to the end of the deficiencies associated with policing in Nigeria. Nigeria cannot be a nation with a progressive economy without astute security apparatus.”
The expert argued the reforming of the force and subsequent improvement in security would attract investments.
“Capitalists and investors must perceive a sense of security in Nigeria before putting their capital in the country. Security and peace will make Nigeria attractive to investors. There must be a strong law enforcement apparatus if Nigeria will make a head way in becoming one of the twenty largest economies by the year 2020,” said Chiakwelu.
He thus called for better working conditions to be put in place for local police.
“All things being equal, the police force cannot rise to the occasion of protecting lives and properties on empty stomach. Both literally and figuratively, the core men and women of the force are starving. Their penury situations cannot allow them to be all they can be. They are victims to corruption thereby debasing their profession of upholding law and order.
“When reasonable and livable salaries are paid, they become true professionals and the bad fruits in their midst can be detached and rid-off from the force. To enhance and dignify the police force, who is assigned the awesome job of fighting crimes in Nigeria, they must be richly compensated and the perks must be made appealing.”
He said For Nigerian police to become equal to the assigned responsibilities of fighting crimes and upholding justice, they must be equipped with the necessary materials including functioning communication system, efficient vehicles and reliable armaments to deter and destroy targets.
Chikwelu also proposed the provision of further education to force members as well as the decentralization of policing.
“The local governments should be allowed to create and have their autonomous police force, while the federal and state can maintain the status quo.
“Police men and women should come from the nighborhoods and communities that they are protecting. Abuja headquarters should not control the entire police force structure from the far distant centre.”
