Plateau Stakeholders Set Path For State Police Implementation

Stakeholders in Plateau State have called for the establishment of state police, emphasizing practical implementation as a crucial measure to address the region’s security challenges.

This call was made during a round table discussion on “Peaceful and Just Societies: State Police as the Sentinel of Plateau,” organized by JISRA in partnership with Tearfund and the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency.

The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including security actors, policymakers, religious and traditional leaders, CSOs, INGOs, and other stakeholders in peace and security.

Discussions focused on preventing political interference in state police, setting up an independent state police service commission, and ensuring sustainable funding through mechanisms like state security trust funds

In his opening remarks, Jude Likita, JISRA Country Coordinator for Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the round table discussion, describing it as a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Likita highlighted the alliance formed by Mensen met een Missie, Tearfund NL/Tearfund UK, and others through the JISRA program, which aims to promote Freedom of Religion or Belief.

He stated, “The question of whether state police should be adopted is not the issue; the focus is on how it can be practically implemented in states that adopt it.”

Ben Osawe, Advocacy Manager for Tearfund, emphasized the historical significance of the round table, referencing past efforts such as the 2006 Danmadi Committee and the 2012 Civil Society Panel on the Review of Nigeria Police.

“It is clear that there is a critical need not only for a review but also for the sophistication of the context in terms of crime, violence, and activities of non-state actors.” He expressed confidence that this event would lead to the development of “the first rule book on state policing in Nigeria.

In her Goodwill message, Julie G. Sanda, DG of the Plateau Peacebuilding Agency (PPBA), commended the collaborative efforts of JISRA, Tearfund, and the PPBA in organizing the round table.

She highlighted the importance of this initiative in addressing the region’s security challenges and fostering sustainable peace. Sanda expressed optimism that the discussions would contribute significantly to creating a robust framework for state policing, ensuring it is effective, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of local communities.

Also, Hon. Daniel Nanbol Listic, representing Langtang North-Central in the Plateau State House of Assembly, emphasized the constitutional duty to ensure the security and welfare of the people as per Section 14, Subsection 2d of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

He stated, “As representatives of the people of Plateau State, it is part of our responsibility to ensure that we go by that which is clearly stated: security and welfare of the people is the fundamental objective of government.”

In his keynote address, Professor Ezekiel Gaya Best from the University of Jos highlighted the historical context and current challenges of the Nigeria Police Force. He proposed measures to ensure the effectiveness and fairness of state police, including preventing misuse by state executives, considering local conflict resolution mechanisms, and transparent recruitment processes.

“the steps taken by the government at different levels of legislation suggest that we should be discussing the modalities of its operation.it is possible to have a state that is peaceful and just with a police that is effective, functional, funded, and independent of the control of the governor.” he said.

Journalists tasked with promoting peace through conflict-sensitive reporting