Isaiah Davies Ijele, the convener of the League for Good Governance, has advocated for the Nigerian police to implement reforms that foster public trust. He emphasized the importance of visible disciplinary actions and transparency to prevent political misuse in the establishment of state policing.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Saturday, Ijele addressed the ongoing tension between citizens and the police, asserting the necessity for profound institutional reforms and discussing the role expected from the new Inspector General of Police.
Ijele acknowledged that while the Nigerian police excel in some areas, the relationship with the public remains strained due to various negative incidents, including police brutality.
He expressed concern over the misconduct of certain officers, which has tarnished the force's reputation. "There are still good men in the police," he stated, adding that he himself had positive experiences with some officers despite being a victim of police misconduct. He suggested that dismissing any problematic officers, whether high-ranking or low, should be done publicly to build confidence among citizens.
Ijele pointed out that past disciplinary actions occurred without public awareness, which does not instill confidence in policing reforms. He shared a personal incident where police officers faced punishment for extortion but the public remained unaware of the reasons behind their dismissal.
He called for increased communication from police leadership, proposing that they hold regular press conferences to keep citizens informed about reforms and the consequences faced by any misbehaving officers.
On the issue of state policing, Ijele expressed his support but also cautioned against potential political interference. He stressed that politicians often manipulate security forces for personal gains, contributing to the current insecurity issues in Nigeria.
Ijele urged national leaders to enact constitutional safeguards before the establishment of state police to prevent misuse by political figures. He suggested that the government work towards solid framework measures to protect policing from political exploitation.
He recounted a troubling experience from the 2023 election campaign when he faced security threats after being left unprotected by police forces. He highlighted the importance of direct intervention by the police leadership during critical situations to reassure the public of their commitment to safety and order.
Ijele concluded his remarks by underscoring the need for a proper framework and transparent actions to reaffirm public trust in the police force.
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