Immediate Action Needed: NSA Ribadu to Address Police's Disregard for Governors in Rivers and Kano! Police Overreach Threatens Governance!

Time for the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Behalf of the Nigerian Government, to Demand Police Respect State Governors and the Judiciary

In a significant development, the Rivers State Government has made a clear statement that it remains undeterred by the occupation of the council secretariats of all 23 local government areas within the state. Hon. Joseph Johnson, the Commissioner for Information and Communications in Rivers State, addressed the situation in Port Harcourt, responding to the stance taken by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun .

Egbetokun announced that the police force would continue to maintain the blockade at the council secretariats until the legal appeals are resolved. Despite this, Commissioner Johnson emphasized that the government's primary concern is maintaining peace within the state.

Johnson pointed out that the occupation of the council secretariats has not impeded the operations of the local government councils or their Caretaker Committee members. He stated that the legal proceedings are not indefinite and will eventually conclude, with the Appeal Court already scheduled to reconvene the following day.

Johnson further assured the public that the government is actively managing the situation and is committed to finding a solution. He highlighted that the inability of the Caretaker Committee chairmen to access the council secretariats is being addressed and that the governor's priority is to ensure peace and order.

In a related development, the police have taken over the security of the main palace of the Emir of Kano, following the withdrawal of local hunters who had been guarding the reinstated Lamido Sanusi. This move comes amidst an emirship tussle and follows a court ruling that invalidated the reappointment of Mr. Sanusi as emir. The hunters, known locally as ‘Yan Tauri,’ withdrew from the palace between Saturday and Sunday morning, leaving behind their machetes to conceal their identity after being asked to vacate the palace or face the wrath of security agents.

The situation in Kano reflects the broader challenges of governance, security, and legal authority in Nigeria, mirroring the tensions between state and federal authorities evident in Rivers State. As these situations evolve, they underscore the need for a balanced approach that respects the rule of law, ensures security, and maintains peace at both the state and federal levels.

Amidst the ongoing political conflicts, the case of the official Emir in Kano remains unresolved, with an appeal proceeding in court. In a parallel situation, Rivers State is grappling with issues related to former lawmakers and local government, which are also under the scrutiny of the Appeals Court. Despite these legal processes, politicians are apparently exploiting federal authority, specifically the police, to undermine the respective governors, who hold the constitutional mandate as the chief security officers of their states. This exploitation of federal might over state governance underscores the complex interplay between federal and state authorities, challenging the balance of power and respect for state autonomy in Nigeria.

The police, often citing the need to maintain peace and prevent chaos, are being used as pawns in this political game. Their actions, influenced by powerful political figures, are not only disregarding the legal processes underway but also undermining the authority of the governors. This misuse of police power, rather than maintaining peace, is potentially sowing the seeds of violence and unrest. It is a delicate situation that requires immediate attention and a balanced approach to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, and peace is maintained across the states.

The core issue at hand is the failure of the police to heed the directives of state governors and to respect the jurisdiction of the Appeal Court. This disregard for the legal process is compounded by the involvement of the judiciary, where some judges are perceived as being manipulated by powerful individuals to serve their interests. As a result, the police, governors, and other stakeholders have begun to lose respect for the judiciary, as evidenced by the conflicting orders issued by judges seemingly to favor the powerful. This erosion of trust in the judiciary undermines the rule of law and exacerbates the tensions between federal and state authorities, posing a significant challenge to the maintenance of peace and order in Nigeria.

Instead, they appear to be influenced by powerful federal politicians, causing instability in each state. How can the police treat state governors like children? Media reports indicate that they are merely executing the orders of federal politicians fighting the governors. President Tinubu has been quiet, but for how long?

It is time for the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to call upon the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to intervene and ensure that the police act in accordance with the law and respect the authority of state governors. This intervention is crucial for maintaining the balance of power and ensuring peace and security across Nigeria.

Psychologically, emotionally, and security-wise, it is imperative for the NSA to make that call to the IGP, his zonal deputy, and the police commissioners to address these issues promptly and effectively. The current state of affairs has far-reaching implications for the safety of the people and the stability of institutions within each state.

The ongoing tension and uncertainty are taking a toll on the psychological well-being of the citizens. People are living in a state of fear and anxiety, unsure of what might happen next. This atmosphere of fear can lead to increased stress, mental health issues, and a general sense of insecurity among the populace. When state institutions, such as the local government councils and traditional palaces, are under siege, it undermines the trust and confidence that citizens have in their government and its ability to protect them.

In a deeply alarming and disturbing development, the Nigerian police, under the influence of federal politicians, have taken over state government buildings without apparent court orders and in blatant disregard for the authority of state governors. This action raises a critical question: Is Nigeria a military or a democratic state? The takeover of key state institutions by the police, meant to uphold the law, instead signals a dangerous erosion of democratic principles and a troubling shift towards authoritarian tactics. This misuse of police power not only undermines the authority of elected state officials but also poses a grave threat to the nation's democratic fabric. The situation demands immediate attention and a reaffirmation of democratic values to prevent a further descent into authoritarianism. This action highlights a significant challenge to the federal-state relationship and the balance of power in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for a clear delineation of authority and respect for the rule of law to prevent the misuse of police power and to maintain peace and security .

The integrity and functionality of state institutions are crucial for effective governance. When these institutions are compromised by federal interference, it disrupts their operations and undermines their authority. The governors, as the chief security officers of their states, must have the autonomy and respect needed to govern effectively. The current interference not only hampers their ability to govern but also sets a dangerous precedent for future governance and the rule of law in Nigeria.

Moreover, the constitution does not seem to matter to these influential figures who are using federal might to fight against each governor due to political interests. These actions are indirectly causing trouble for the president, and the situation may not end well. It is hoped that the NSA remains neutral and takes steps to prevent Rivers and Kano from descending into further chaos. The police are apparently being used by powerful politicians, underscoring the need for the NSA's intervention to uphold the rule of law and prevent the escalation of tensions.

The NSA's prompt action is essential to restore order, ensure the safety of the people, and uphold the integrity of state institutions. By calling upon the IGP and his deputies to respect the rule of law and the authority of state governors, the NSA can help stabilize the current situation, prevent further conflict, and maintain the delicate balance of power necessary for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

Prof. John Egbeazien Oshodi

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi , Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. [email protected]