Thursday, March 28, 2024

Why Osinbajo’s order on SARS’ overhaul may not work – Police reform network boss

Last week, Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, directed the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to overhaul the operations and activities of the State Anti-Robbery Squads across all the states of the federation. The presidential directive triggered off commendations across the globe. But in this interview the National Coordinator, Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria, Okechukwu Nwanguna, tells EMMANUEL UDOM, why the measure may not achieve the desired result. Excerpt:

 

What is your take on the recent directive by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to overhaul the operations of SARS at state levels nationwide?   

Though belated, the directive of the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo to IGP Idris to reform SARS and the Human Rights Commission to commence investigations into human rights abuses, is a welcome development. But, it is doubtful if anything positive will come out of it.

Why did you say nothing positive would come out of the directive?

You may recall that the present Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, said SARS operatives were doing a good job. The Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, also re-echoed the statement of his boss, stating that the operatives were doing a good job and that those calling for their disbandment were criminals.

But, the truth is that SARS is a symptom of what is wrong with the entire Nigeria Police Force.  It reflects the prevailing culture of violence, lawlessness and leadership incompetence of the police and politics.

So, what is the way out then?

The entire NPF needs transformation, a new orientation and a new culture.

It needs to be insulated from political control and the procedure for the appointment of the IGP should be reviewed to ensure that it is transparent and competitive, so that the best brain within the force becomes the IGP.

And finally, the IGP should enjoy clearly defined and secure tenure and operational autonomy, with the person’s loyalty being not only to the President, but the entire Nigerian nation through their elected or appointed representatives.

What is NOPRIN all about?

The Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria (NOPRIN) was established in 2000 and has 46 civil society organisations spread across Nigeria under its umbrella. Its aim is to provide opportunity for civil society involvement in police reforms, and the promotion of safety, security and justice in Nigeria. NOPRIN carries out its mandate through monitoring, field research and investigation, documentation, publication, campaign and advocacy.

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