2027: La ONU advierte contra el abuso de la policía estatal

Prince Nweze Onu, deputy national chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has issued a stern warning against potential abuses of the newly passed State Police Bill, cautioning that the legislation could be exploited by politicians to undermine Nigeria’s democratic framework before the 2027 general elections. The statement, released on Friday, highlights deep concerns over the rapid passage of the bill and its implications for the country's security and governance structures. Onu emphasized that while state policing has long been proposed as a remedy for Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, the current legislative process lacks essential safeguards. He pointed out that the reform, which aims to create state-level police forces under direct gubernatorial control, was rushed through without sufficient public debate or scrutiny. According to Onu, key aspects such as operational independence, financial transparency, accountability mechanisms, and constitutional protections remain inadequately addressed. The NNPP leader drew attention to the heightened political climate preceding the 2027 elections, noting that the introduction of state police could provide an avenue for governors and powerful political figures to exert undue influence over security agencies. This, he warned, could lead to the intimidation of political rivals and the suppression of dissent. Onu stressed that without robust constitutional checks, the new system might be manipulated to serve partisan interests rather than the public good. His remarks echoed earlier criticisms of regional security initiatives, such as the Amotekun task force in the Southwest and the Ebubeagu unit in the Southeast. These groups have faced accusations of partiality and biased enforcement, with some communities alleging that they disproportionately target opposition leaders and activists. Onu suggested that these past failures should inform the current debate, urging policymakers to learn from them to avoid repeating similar mistakes. Instead of immediately rolling out the state police model nationwide, Onu recommended a phased approach. He called for a comprehensive review of existing state-backed security units, identifying their weaknesses and addressing them before introducing new frameworks. His proposal includes measures such as merit-based hiring, rigorous training programs, independent oversight bodies, and clear channels for reporting misconduct. Additionally, he emphasized the need for strict penalties against political interference in law enforcement matters. Onu also underscored the importance of ensuring that security institutions operate impartially, serving all citizens regardless of political allegiance, ethnic background, or religious beliefs. He criticized the notion of using security apparatuses to pursue political enemies, arguing that such actions would erode public trust and destabilize the nation. “Nigeria needs security institutions that protect everyone, not institutions that will be used to witch-hunt political opponents,” he said. Finally, Onu called for inclusive dialogue involving diverse stakeholders, civil society organizations, legal experts, and community representatives, to shape the future of security reform. He insisted that any changes to the country’s security architecture must promote national cohesion and enhance public confidence, rather than exacerbate existing tensions. His message reflects a broader demand for transparency, accountability, and fairness in the management of Nigeria’s security systems.