The rate at which those responsible for protecting the lives and properties of ordinary citizens by no other organ than the Nigeria Police is getting worrisome. In December 2022, at least two citizens have been gunned down in Lagos. It is therefore necessary to come out with various suggestions to stop this extra-judicial killings on our roads.
By the provisions of section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 CFRN, it is statutorily the responsibility of every state in Nigeria to ensure the provision of welfare and security of every citizen in Nigeria. But in ensuring these, especially on insecurities, some security organs and more especially the Nigeria Police being solely in charge of internal security must have to use guns to enforce certain security measures and as well as to protect themselves. But where such weapons are turned against the law abiding and innocent citizens, it then becomes very unfortunate.
Therefore, what has happened has happened. We would only try to be proactive so as to take good management of future. As usual, may I profer the following suggestions to any security outfit that is saddled with the responsibility of security management.
That no Police Officer whether in uniform or in mufti shall carry in his/her gun live ammunition. Such officers shall be provided with rubber bullets that can take away the life of a person for at least one hour as is being done to wild animals by the rangers when they want to catch the wild animal.
Any security officer who shall be responsible to carry live ammunition shall be certified as a non drinker or smoker of intoxicating substance.
Nigeria is ripe to do away with any f
orm of road block or stop and search. Let technology be introduced to detect any form of criminality.
Every employee of any security organization must be thoroughly medically certified for diseases of brain and insane delusion.
In order for these suggestions to work effectively, the President of the federation should as an interim measure, use executive order to introduce these new reforms pending when the 10th National Assembly will be formed and inaugurated to put constitutional backing to these suggestions.
May we be guided.
Lakpene Yusuf Bida, Esq.
27-12-2022.
11-12-2022
Lakpene Yusuf Bida, Esq. was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1983. Before then, he attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for Dip.In-Law between 1975/1977, LLB between 1979/1982, and the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos between 1982/83. NYSC Kwara 1983/84. Mr. Lakpene worked as Court Registrar 1977-1979 and was appointed as Magistrate by Niger state Judiciary and served between 1984-1991. He later transferred service to the Legal Division NNPC and served at different capacities such as Legal Adviser/Company Sec. KRPC, Legal Adviser/Company SEC.NETCO, Lagos, Legal Adviser/Company Sec.IDSL, Benin. Since retirement, he has authored about eleven books on different legal topics. Four yet to be published. A Notary Public and daily article writer on the WhatsApp and Facebook. He’s also a part time law lecturer in Minna and has traveled overseas for various official assignments. He is married with children.