Police: Sharia Council cautions N'Assembly against hasty constitutional amendment

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has cautioned the Federal Government and the National Assembly against rushing the proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police, insisting that wider consultations must precede any final decision.

The council said while the country was in dire need of effective measures to tackle worsening insecurity, state police should not be seen as a quick solution to Nigeria's security challenges.

In a statement issued by its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the council said it had been following the national debate on state police and the ongoing legislative process, describing the proposal as one with significant implications for justice, national cohesion and the country's future.

The council noted that Nigeria was grappling with one of its worst security crises, with thousands of people killed, millions displaced and livelihoods destroyed by persistent violence across several parts of the country.

It, however, argued that the shortcomings of the current policing system stemmed largely from inadequate funding, corruption, poor welfare for security personnel, weak intelligence gathering, obsolete equipment, manpower shortages and poor coordination among security agencies.

According to the council, merely transferring policing powers to state governments would not address these underlying problems.

It urged the government to prioritise comprehensive reforms of the existing security architecture through improved funding, recruitment, intelligence, technology, border security and greater accountability.

The council also expressed concern over what it described as the speed with which the constitutional amendment was being pursued, stressing that reforms affecting the country's security framework should only be undertaken after broad national consultations and transparent public hearings.

It said many Nigerians believed the legislative process had not been sufficiently inclusive, adding that such an important constitutional matter required consensus among critical stakeholders.

The council commended lawmakers who had called for wider consultations and adherence to due process, saying their position reflected democratic principles and the national interest.

It also warned against any arrangement that could allow state police to be used for political persecution or discrimination, noting that Nigeria's ethnic, religious and political diversity required a policing system that guarantees equal protection for all citizens.

The SCSN called for strong constitutional safeguards, independent oversight mechanisms, transparent recruitment, professional training, effective complaints procedures, judicial and legislative supervision, sustainable funding and firm measures against abuse before any state police structure is created.

It appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly, state governments and other stakeholders to conclude extensive consultations and address public concerns before proceeding with any constitutional amendment on state police.