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Another Frogs Debate …Those Calls For, Against State Police

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Gen Babangida And IGP,Abubakar

At  a time when
well-meaning Nigerians should be worried about the state of insecurity in the
land, no account of the orgy of senseless bloodletting unleashed on the
Nigerian state by the Islamist terrorist group, commonly called Boko Haram, it
is unfortunate that the country’s political class is busy with another round of
debate, one that is not too different from the time-long shouts by frogs and
toads.

A popular Okrika legend has it that all the noise often
heard of frogs and toads in virtually every stagnant pool is over a piece of
yam, thrown at the amphibious creatures by an aged woman, ages ago. The debate
among the beneficiaries thus became either to have the piece of yam roasted
(Foi) or have it cooked (Cho), hence the familiar noise, foi,cho,foi,cho, with
none ready to listen to the other, and with the subject of the debate, left to
decay.

Never tired of debates, which by the way, is a healthy
component of a potent democracy, it is not yet clear if the raging debate over
a State Police or not serves the priority needs of a nation in dire need for
answers to her security questions. None is yet to state clearly, if the absence
of State Police accounts for the known security breaches Nigerians have had to
live with, neither has any convinced us, Nigerians, what wonderful job,
Nigerians will see with the re-introduction of State Police.

In the first and second republics of our political voyage,
when regional police experience was on trial, it left a lot to be desired.

Rather than encourage efficiency and indeed nationalism,
regional police became one of the biggest threats to the nation’s own democracy
and indeed her unity, as each region constituted its Police as a
pseudo-protectionist army against political opponents. Those were days when
Nnamdi Azikiwe could not extend his Presidential campaigns to say, Katsina or
Maiduguri, when Ahmadu Bello could not campaign in Enugu and Obafemi Awolowo
could not go to other parts of the country.

The only known achievement recorded by that experience was
the regionalisation of political parties, which by their nature became a threat
to a united Nigeria. The reason was that the Police became a tool in the hands
of politicians who used them against opponents and perceived threats to the
security of their seats.

However, proponents of the State Police concept, argued that
it was a major component of a Federal system to have both Federal and State
Police side by side, as obtains in other civilised democracies. They argue that
a well-grounded regional police would be better equipped to confront crime as
such criminals would have been well known by their kith and kin.

In practice however, the opposite became true as such
regional police forces became part of the apron strings of the ruling political
class who themselves became untouchables hence, above the law. In same vein,
associates and relations of the power-that-be became the law in themselves, a
trend that threatened, in very profound ways; the rule of law.

Those were days when punishment for a given crime depended
largely on the suspect’s political following while those who challenged the
status quo became regular visitors to the few penitentiaries. Right to public
opinion suffered greatly and opposition to government views and actions, a
crime. The law courts became mere circuit shows and chambers for shameful
hollow rituals designed to protect the mighty and politically well-connected
few against the helpless many.

These experiences informed the preference for a national
police force with state Commissioners of Police operating in synergy with state
security organisations, all under the superintendence of the state governor who
is also the state’s chief security officer. Infact, some states’ governors are
known to have invested handsomely in the Police under that working arrangement
without any known breaches. Where the concerns are of national security
colouration, zonal or federal troops are assigned to complement efforts against
existing challenges.

The beauty of that arrangement was best seen during the
elections in Edo State early this year, when, federal troops and the army
complemented policing in the state. Were the arrangement that in the first and
second republics, the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) would not have
even campaigned and simply won the elections, using its own police for the
purpose.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), today governs more
states than any other party. With a State Police, can any political party ever
dream of winning elections as it is today?

Happily, there is a Police
Council in place with the President and Commander-in-Chief as chairman,
the chairman of Police Service Commission as member, and all state governors,
members, so also is the Inspector-General of Police. With such membership
spread, the Council should be able to influence better and more proactive
policing and also take into account the hopes and fears of various states.
Besides, police commissioners are also part of the security councils of the various
states with the governor as chairman and chief security officer.

So, what is the real need for State Police? How many states
can fund a Police in these times of unstable, even, inadequate federal
allocations? Considering the lingering question of new minimum wage
implementation by states of the federation, will an additional, even well
improved wage bill for the Police in such states be realistic?  Or are there hidden advantages not easily
discernable by the ordinary Nigerian?

If that is so with the ordinary masses, shouldn’t those who
at various times headed the Police be knowledgeable enough to define the
difference? The Presidential Committee on the Re-organisation of the Nigeria
Police and indeed the forum of former Inspectors-General of Police, only recently
voiced their disapproval for State Police, in addition to identifying
institutional hurdles against effective policing.

In unambiguous terms, both groups of eminent citizens
sounded a big ‘No’ to calls for State Police. The attempt, they warned would be
an invitation to anarchy, a near recall of the sad experiences of the past.

Instead of State Police, the Presidential Committee called
for autonomy for the Nigeria Police and scrapping of the Ministry of Police
Affairs, another avoidable political creation, and instead allow the Police
hierarchy to prioritise its needs and maximise available resources, often
allocated to it by the Federal Government. Presenting its report to President
Goodluck Jonathan last Tuesday, in Aso Rock, Abuja, the Panel’s chairman,  Deputy Inspector-General of Police Parry
Osayande (rtd) same day as the former IGP’s meeting with the Presidency, also
kicked against State Police.

Holding that the calls for State Police were not in the
interest of the nation, the former Police chiefs, argued that the most
unreasonable thing for any administration to do at this time was to allow State
Police to exist, stressing that with the current, “political climate in our
country, a State Police would only be a tool in the hands of political leaders
at state levels.”

In its opposition to the calls for State Police, the
Presidential panel on its part feared that the states in their known financial
states cannot fund a full-blown Police, and suggested that the nation’s Police
Council be allowed to function, with a warning that institutionalisation of the
State Police in Nigeria would be a prelude to the disintegration of the
country.

Apart from the legitimisation of small arms proliferation,
such States Police risk transforming into state armies and at each slight
provocation engage in warfare that can spell greater doom to the citizenry.
With each State Police empowered to fight crime, it could spill-over to
cross-border Police and the consequences in times of conflicts can better be
imagined than seen.

These are perhaps why former Military President, Ibrahim
Badamosi Babangida (IBB) roundly condemned the calls for State Police and
instead insisted on proper funding of the Police to discharge its
constitutional duties to the Nigerian state.

That indeed is the point. That the Police has performed
below expectation is a given but reasons for such lacklustre record are varied.
But going by the Presidential Panel’s findings, poor remuneration, inadequate
funding and conflicting loyalties seem the most crucial. For instance, all
extra-Police institutions created out of the Police for specific duties enjoy
better public respect than the regular police. They also earn more in wages.

For example, while the Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
earns a monthly salary of N711,498, his counterpart in the State Security
Service (SSS), the Director-General, earns N1.336 million, a nearly 100 per
cent difference. On the other hand, the chairman of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission (EFCC), by far, a junior officer to the IGP earns N1.5
million. How can such officers be expected to bow to the Police high command?

If the Inspector-General can be so ill-treated, what is
expected of other officers and ranks? Where would they source the extra spirit
of statesmanship to go after well-armed criminals, when, even their severance
benefits are not too different from the wages? Or was the Nigeria Police
created to fail? Why are other institutions, created out of the main Police
fairing better in operations and public approval?

These are the questions that ought to engage Nigerians at
these times of serious security challenges. It should not be clamour for State
Police which benefits are subsumed by the milieu of disadvantages it parades.
The argument should be, how better to equip the Police for better policing, and
improved support by  states, to the
force.

The states should think more about how to complement regular
policing than owning their own police. Apart from the funding implications,
their poor earnings have hardly provided meaningful dividends of democracy to
their peoples not to mention their inability to implement the New National
Minimum Wage for their various work-forces.

Why are these too difficult to appreciate. What better work
would ill-funded States Police do better than the Nigeria Police? Where do the
states hope to source the extra funds to equip such State Police in these times
of near-total dependence on the ever dwindling federally allocated monthly meal
tickets?

Answers to these questions will reveal how unnecessary calls
for State Police are. And by extension, the rigorous debate on the issue.

My Agony is that many Nigerians forget easily and which is
often why they are forced to witness same historical misadventures in even more
perilous degrees. The horrific thoughts of the early republics do not deserve
such amnesia.

Methinks, the debate for or against State Police, without
necessary facts, needed to help form national opinion, amounts to the shouts of
Foi Cho, Foi Cho understood only by the frogs and toads, and should be
forgotten.

Truth is , there is yet, no better reason for State Police
than the horror it created in first and second republics, and deserve no
recall. Not now.

 

Soye Wilson Jamabo

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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.

These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.

Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.

Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.

The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.

Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.

He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.

“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”

Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.

Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.

That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.

He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”

Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.

The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”

Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.

He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.

“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”

Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.

He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.

Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.

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Our Policies Are Geared Towards Protecting Rivers Interest -Fubara

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.

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Our Legacy’ll Leave Lasting Impression On Rivers People -Fubara

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.

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