There have been back and forth arguments about the creation of the state police and its subsequent incorporation into the Nigerian constitution.
The imperative of creating a state police can never be emphasized even though it has its demerits. The creation of state police will localize policing and will make it possible for easier crime fighting.
However, some posers need to be addressed before creating the state police. First, will the existing police force be solely owned by the federal government even when states contribute a significant resources for their upkeep through security vote solely controlled by governors?
Second, will the federal police exist side by side with state police in every state? Third, in the case of arrest, will there be clear delineation between the state police and federal police on the issue of who should arrest and prosecute between them?
Four, will state police seek the permission of the federal police before arrests and vice versa?
Five, on the general election day particularly the presidential and National Assembly elections, will the state police participate on the issue of security or should it be strictly for federal police and other federal security agencies? Six, on election day that involves only gubernatorial and state Houses of Assembly, will federal police have any role to play or it will be strictly for the state police? Seven, will there be clear constitutional delineation on the jurisdictional power between states and federal high courts on the issue of prosecution?
The creation of state police even if with its inherent flaws is long overdue. Nonetheless, the above- mentioned gray areas and other subsequent ones need to be straightened up before the creation of state police.
Ifeanyi Maduako, Owerri
