Opinion

State Police, How Desirable?

Published

12 years ago

July 1, 2014

The on-going National Conference, last Thursday, ap
proved the establishment of state police to strengthen security in the states. the state police, when created by states that desire and can finance them, are to complement teh efforts of the Nigerian Police Force.
What do Port Harcourt residents think about this development? A few of them aired their views to our Chief Correspondent, Calista Ezeaku. Our photographer, Ibioye Diama captured their images

Mr Suowonale Nima (Civil Servant)
Creating State police will mean creating more problems in the country, because there will be Federal Police and state police. Anybody can use the police to intimidate others. There is no way state police and federal police can work hand in hand. There is bound to be confusion. So, I think they should forget the issue of state police. Let the Nigerian Police Force carry on with the duty of policing the country.

Livingstone Nator(Engineer)
There are two sides to the issue of the state police. Establishing state police will help in the security of our people, especially those in the grassroots. But when you look at the other side of it, creating state police where the Federal government will not be totally in control of it, the politicians will highjack it and misuse it. They will use the police to oppress their opponents.
Apart from this, state police is good. The policemen will be people from that particular state who understand the language and the culture of the people.
However, I think state police can work better with the establishment of vigilante groups. The state government should be involved in the activities of the vigilante groups, try to empower them. The state police should work hand and hand with the vigilante groups who will be able to detect when a strange fellow comes into a community and find out his mission. The growing insecurity in this country has made it imperative that every body must be involved in the security of our communities. Everybody must be security conscious. Security is not the job of the policemen alone. We must help them to succeed by giving them vital information.

Miss Sarah Okpuibo (public Servant)
Establishment of state police is a good idea because of the security situation in our country now. I think states should go ahead and establish their own police force to beef up security in various states. The Federal police has been trying but the joint effort of the state and federal police will certainly yield more positive results. As it is presently, the number of policemen in the country is to minimal to cater for the security needs of the entire country. But if states can create their own police the number will increase and that will mean better security for the states and the entire country.
No doubt, going by what has been happening in our country, especially in this political era, politicians might want to use the state police as thugs, but this can only be possible when the head of the police force and the policemen want the politicians to use them. If they are not willingly to be used, no body can force them.
Anonymities. For me, I welcome the idea of the creation of state police, lets see if there will be any difference between federal police and the state police. The agitation has been on for some time now, so let’s give it a try. How many states do you think can properly finance state police? Look at even TIMARIV we have in this state. For over six months they have not been paid. The same thing applies to other states. So, it is not just establishing state police but making sure that it is adequately funded. If the policemen are not properly funded, you might just be creating more security and social problems for the states and the country at large.

Mr Ezinwo Iheanyi (publisher)
It’s okay. As we have heard, it is not a general recommendation per say, but for states that can afford it. And that implies that to a large extent, each federating is independent and should be able to have their own police and some other institutions of government that can enhance the administration of justice. In our own society, especially those of us who were born after independence, we have not seen state police in operation. Ordinarily, one will say it’s not a bad idea. At last it will help the communities to be properly policed. But the fear has to do with the attitude of the average Nigerian politician, the tendency for the winner to take all. If Mr A happens to be the governor, he will chase the political opponents all over the place with baseless charges. But I don’t think it will be wrong to give it a trial, especially if it is backed by law with checks and balances. So that any person who feels his or her right is violated can seek redress and also obtain it.
A lot of people have talked about the imperative of state police. I think it will be a nice thing if we can have a pilot programme in states like Lagos , Rivers, Kano and maybe Enugu States. Let’s have a kind of an experimentation to see how it goes.
But as usually, every idea will have its own pros and cons. But I’m tempted to accept the idea. We should try it. We can make some mistakes but with time there will be an improvement and we will be better for it.
The National Conference recommended state police for only those states that can finance it. In other words it is not going to be the responsibility of the federal government to finance them. If my own idea of a police force is any thing to go by, that means the state police will have their own guns and ammunitions. Eheee! There are a lot of issues a involved oo if you look at it critically. Yes, it is a nice idea but I don’t think is should be a priority at this stage of our development where states, regions are agitating for self determination. Where there is a lot mistrust all over the places. Some are agitating that Nigeria should be divided and allthat.
Yes, the idea of state police is not a bad one but I will suggest that we keep it in view in interim. Let some other serious security challenges be properly addressed before we talk about state police.
Let me also advise that each state government should encourage the communities to have vigilante groups to a kind man surveillance in the respective communities rather than have a central police. Communities should be supported by state governments to have vigilante. At the end of the day, it will also be very good for the states.

Chief Jude Nwoka (Lecturer)
Saying that any state who desire and can finance it should go ahead and establish state police is not a better option. It should be a constitutional matter, uniform in all states. Security should not politicised. If the states that have the apparatus, that have the money are allowed to have their own police, those in authority will compromise it and security should not be compromised.
The federal government on its own cannot even fund the police. Institutions, states must assist in funding the police particularly now that the country is facing serious security challenges, security is a thing for all.
The state authorities will use the states police for their own advantage. Governors will like to use the police to achieve their own selfish interests. It could also be a means of siphoning the public purse. I think care must be taken to avoid a paralled force and contravening the constitution.
If I may ask, what is happening to other para-military agencies like Civil Defence and others? Why not empower them, put in money and materials to allow them perform security roles? Why not encourage our traditional rulers and chiefs to form vigilante groups and support them? Yes, we already have community police but it is not working. Local Government Chairmen are not doing what they are supposed to do. Because of institutionalised corruption in the country, local government chairmen are not committed to fighting crime. They have security votes which are never accounted for. We can make use of the vigilante groups, give them vehicles, gadget and use them purely for security purposes not for political patronage. If the local government chairmen who are given security votes can spend part of this money on the vigilante groups, they will be more effective and we all will benefit from that.
So for me, what we need now is how to strengthen and support the existing Nigerian Police Force and the para-military forces. State police will be counter productive, it will be undermining maximum security, those in power will recruit those on their camps and use them to fight their opponents.
Most importantly, security is not for government alone. Everybody should be involved.

Opinion

Beyond the Adichie Tragedy

Published

3 days ago

March 16, 2026

The Tide

Quote:: “Justice must never depend on fame, wealth, or connections. The child of a roadside trader deserves the same standard of care as the child of a globally celebrated writer. When accountability works only for the prominent, public trust in institutions quietly erodes.”

Public reaction to the suspension of doctors by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) following the death of the son of celebrated Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reveals something deeper than outrage over a single tragedy. Across social media and public commentary, a recurring sentiment stands out: many Nigerians believe justice was served only because of the prominence of the family involved. Comments such as “The doctors were punished because Chimamanda is well known,” or “If it was a poor man’s child, the case would have been swept under the carpet,” capture a troubling lack of faith in the system.

Whether these perceptions are always accurate is not the most important issue. What should concern the nation is that so many citizens instinctively believe that justice in Nigeria often depends on status, wealth, or influence.The tragedy that befell the Adichie family is heartbreaking. No parent should have to bury a child, particularly under circumstances that raise questions about professional responsibility. But beyond the grief lies a larger national concern: medical negligence in Nigeria is far more widespread than the few cases that attract public attention. Across the country, families quietly lose loved ones in hospitals and clinics under troubling circumstances. Patients are sometimes misdiagnosed. Emergency cases may be delayed. Surgical procedures may be mishandled, while basic standards of care can be compromised due to negligence, poor supervision, or systemic pressure on medical staff.

In many situations, grieving families simply accept their loss and move on, believing there is little they can do. The result is what can only be described as a silent epidemic of unreported medical negligence.In more developed healthcare systems, such incidents rarely go unexamined. Independent regulatory bodies investigate complaints, enforce professional standards, and sanction erring practitioners. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the Care Quality Commission inspects hospitals, clinics, and care providers to ensure strict compliance with safety and quality standards.Nigeria does have oversight institutions, notably the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. However, enforcement often appears inconsistent, and many cases of negligence never reach the stage where regulators can intervene. Sometimes victims are unaware of the complaint process. In other cases, fear, cost, or bureaucracy discourage families from seeking justice.

While government institutions must improve their oversight mechanisms, citizens must also confront a difficult truth: Nigerians often fail to pursue their rights when they are violated. Too frequently, when injustice occurs, people retreat into resignation. Instead of filing complaints or seeking legal remedies, many respond with the familiar phrase: “God will judge them.” Faith is important, but it should not replace civic responsibility. A society that leaves accountability solely to divine intervention risks allowing negligence and impunity to flourish. Some commentators have suggested that the Adichie family likely pursued the matter relentlessly through petitions and formal complaints before authorities acted. If that is the case, it demonstrates a path other citizens can follow. When malpractice occurs, persistence in seeking justice can make institutions respond.

If more families reported cases of medical negligence to the appropriate authorities, regulatory bodies would have stronger grounds to investigate. Public pressure would also push healthcare institutions to improve their standards. Negligence, as defined by Nigeria’s Supreme Court in Odinaka v. Moghalu, refers to the failure to do what a reasonable and prudent person would have done under similar circumstances. Within medical ethics, physicians are expected to provide competent care with compassion and respect for human dignity. These principles form the foundation of the duty of care that patients rely upon. Citizens must therefore be able to recognise signs of negligence and take appropriate steps to seek redress. Patients and families should learn to document incidents, keep medical records, ask questions about treatment decisions, and report suspicious circumstances surrounding medical care.

Where necessary, formal complaints should be lodged with regulatory authorities or pursued through the courts. Civil society organisations, advocacy groups, and the media also play a crucial role. By exposing cases of negligence and demanding accountability, they help ensure such incidents do not disappear into silence. A healthcare system shielded from scrutiny cannot improve. Nevertheless, responsibility cannot rest solely on citizens. Government must take decisive steps to strengthen healthcare regulation and reduce medical negligence. Hospitals and clinics—both public and private—should undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with professional standards, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines. Persistent violations must attract meaningful sanctions. Legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olisa Agbakoba has suggested the creation of an independent health regulatory authority and the restoration of Chief Medical Officers at federal and state levels.

In the past, these officials, alongside health inspectors, helped enforce professional standards and ensured accountability within healthcare facilities. Government must also invest more seriously in the training and continuous education of healthcare professionals. Medicine is an evolving field, and practitioners must constantly update their knowledge and skills. Mandatory professional development programmes, stricter licensing renewal requirements, and improved mentorship systems could help reduce errors arising from outdated practices or inadequate training. At the same time, systemic challenges within the healthcare system cannot be ignored. Many Nigerian doctors and nurses work under extremely difficult conditions—overcrowded hospitals, outdated equipment, staff shortages, and overwhelming patient loads. Such pressures increase the risk of mistakes and professional burnout.

Improving healthcare infrastructure, funding, and staffing is therefore not merely an administrative matter; it is a fundamental requirement for patients’ safety. Equally important is transparency when allegations of negligence arise. Investigations must be timely, credible, and accessible. Families deserve to know what happened to their loved ones and whether professional standards were breached. Regulatory bodies must ensure that findings are communicated clearly so that public confidence in the healthcare system is strengthened. The tragedy that drew national attention to medical negligence should not be treated as an isolated incident involving a prominent personality. Rather, it should serve as a wake-up call for systemic reform.

Every Nigerian life carries equal value. Justice must not depend on prominence or privilege. When citizens demand accountability and institutions respond with fairness and transparency, trust begins to grow. Nigeria’s health sector is filled with dedicated doctors, nurses, and medical workers who save lives daily despite difficult conditions. Recognising their commitment, however, should not prevent society from confronting the reality that negligence sometimes occurs—and when it does, it must be addressed firmly. If this painful moment encourages Nigerians to speak up, demand accountability, and push for stronger regulatory systems, it may yet produce meaningful reform. Citizens must refuse to accept negligence as fate, while government strengthens oversight and improves healthcare conditions. Only through this collective effort can Nigeria build a healthcare system where every patient—regardless of social status—receives safe, responsible, and dignified care.

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

As The World Celebrates Women

Published

3 days ago

March 16, 2026

The Tide

Quote:” “Every woman who works tirelessly to raise her children, run a business, support her family or contribute to her community is shaping the future of society. These quiet, everyday efforts may not always make headlines, but they remain the foundation upon which strong families, communities and nations are built.”

The celebration of International Women’s Day offers another important moment to reflect on the strength, resilience and achievements of women across the world. It is a time not only to celebrate the progress made over the years, but also to recognise the courage, determination and commitment that continue to define women’s contributions in every sphere of society. Across the globe, women are steadily breaking barriers and redefining possibilities. From leadership and governance to science, education and enterprise, women continue to prove that their capacity to contribute meaningfully to development is limitless. Particularly inspiring are the strides being made by women across Africa and here in Nigeria. In many instances, these achievements are recorded despite limited access to resources and opportunities when compared with their counterparts in other parts of the world. Yet, through determination, hard work and resilience, women continue to rise above these challenges and make their mark

In Nigeria today, the role of women in national development is increasingly evident. Women are actively shaping policies, building businesses, strengthening institutions and supporting communities. Their influence can be seen in sectors such as healthcare, education, media, technology and public administration. Through dedication and innovation, they contribute significantly to the growth and stability of the nation. In Rivers State, women have also distinguished themselves in remarkable ways. Across different sectors, they continue to make meaningful contributions to the political, economic and social advancement of the state. Many are thriving as entrepreneurs, running successful businesses, supporting their families and creating opportunities for others. Others are making valuable contributions within the healthcare sector, working tirelessly as doctors, nurses and administrators to improve the wellbeing of communities.

Women in the state are also excelling in academia, nurturing young minds and contributing to knowledge through teaching and research. In the media and communication sector, they play critical roles in information dissemination, shaping public conversations and telling the stories that matter to society. Within government institutions and the civil service, women continue to demonstrate professionalism, competence and dedication to duty. Over the years, Rivers State has produced women whose accomplishments have earned them respect and admiration both within and outside the state. The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, stands as one such example. A seasoned academic and public servant, she continues to demonstrate the capacity of women to contribute meaningfully to governance and policy development. Her presence in such a high office serves as encouragement to young women who aspire to leadership and public service.

Similarly, the Head of Service of Rivers State, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi S. I. Brown, has demonstrated strong leadership within the public service. Her role in coordinating and strengthening the activities of the civil service reflects years of dedication, professionalism and commitment to service. Another notable example is Justice Mary Odili, whose distinguished career in the judiciary stands as a testament to discipline, excellence and commitment to justice. Her years of service at the highest level of Nigeria’s judicial system have made her a respected figure and a source of inspiration to many. While these women have earned public recognition for their contributions, it is equally important to acknowledge the countless women whose efforts often go unnoticed. Across homes, workplaces and communities, many women continue to make sacrifices that sustain families and strengthen society. Every woman who works tirelessly to raise her children, run a business to support her family, contribute to community development or serve diligently in her workplace is also making a significant impact.

These everyday efforts, often carried out quietly, remain vital to the growth and stability of society. As we reflect on the significance of this occasion, it is important to remember that every woman’s contribution matters. Whether in leadership positions or within the everyday responsibilities of life, the role of women remains central to the progress of our communities.To every woman striving to achieve her dreams despite the challenges along the way, your efforts are valid, seen and meaningful. Your journey matters. Your resilience, dedication and determination continue to inspire hope for a better and more inclusive society.

Happy International Women’s Day.

By: Ledornubari@star

Opinion

Agony In Ivory Tower

Published

1 week ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

Quote: A university that tolerates missing scripts, result manipulation and ‘sorting’ is not merely failing students—it is quietly destroying the moral foundation of education itself.”

The sad cases of missing scripts, compulsory Sorting, inputting of wrong results and other obnoxious practices in some public universities, leave much to be desired. One cannot imagine how a student will be compelled to suffer consequences of the flagrant negligence of a Head of Department, a lecturer, Department staff or an ICT staff.Many academic and non academic staff in several public universities seem to be performing far below standard, thus unproductive to the university system. The unacceptable cases of sorting, missing scripts, missing results, inputting of wrong grades to students, should not be mentioned in a university, not even in any academic community. This is because people who are employed to work in various positions should have cognate work experience and unquestionable competence. They should not be seen as certificate welding illiterates but people who have been proven to be worthy in learning and character, diligent and competent to carry out assigned responsibilities with minimal or no supervision.

The university as a citadel of learning should boast of men of integrity, people who are repositories of applied knowledge and competence to drive the much desired holistic development in a nation that functions on quality teaching and learning. A situation where a student having gone through the crucibles of learning and written a prescribed semester examination or class-based evaluation test, is told that his or her script is missing or that he or she did not participate in that academic exercise, or must sort to pass, is an unpardonable error and a height of callousness. In fact some lecturers and staff of Departments are using the seeming systemic defect (which is their architecture) as an opportunity to extort students. Sometimes it is discovered much to students chagrin that the supposed missing script was later discovered when a ransom was paid.

Since a lecturer, or Head of Department has in their disposal both Yam and the knife and determines who takes what (if they wish to give without strings), students have no alternative but to submit to their importunate demands in order to graduate at record time.Such practices should be unheard of in an institution that should be a vanguard of moral and ethical values and conduct. What people learn in school constitute their behavioural patterns in the society. Where the school as an agency of socialisation cannot drive positive change first in its immediate environment, then the objective of education as a bedrock for the development of society, is inevitably compromised and counter-productive. The German Reformer, Dr. Martins Luther was quoted as saying, “I advise parents not to put their wards or children in any school where the Bible is not being used as a rule of life because such institutions will unnecessarily be corrupt”.

Gleaning from Luther’s sentiment one can deduce that the lack of respect and regard for values as well as the absence of the fear of God is the greatest undoing of most public schools. Another major challenge is that lack of Information, Communication and Technology literacy or compliance on the part of some lecturers and heads of department, may have informed the decision to give students’ scripts to secretaries to compile and input students results thereby making the secretaries the determinants of students’ fate. It is not saying a new thing that some of the secretaries in the process of compiling results have inputted wrong results, omitted names or down graded some students or given unmerited grades to others.Society today is ICT-driven and ICT-literacy enhances efficiency, speed and a reasonable degree of accuracy if the person behind the computer is level headed, articulate, competent, alive to responsibilities and is aware that negligence on his or her part is not only tantamount to a disservice to the university but to the students who may not graduate at record time because of his or her (computer operator’s) gross ineptitude or carelessness.

The ICT era makes the carrying of hard copy of results obsolete as lecturers through the Heads of Department can log on to the central server of the Exams and Records (if any) or ICT unit and input students’ results directly. By so doing the incessant cases where result on spread sheet is different from the one published online, more often than not, caused by abject negligence, will be avoided. The process will also end the intermediary services of some staff in the universities’ Information, Communication and Technology Department which has become a money spinner-a lucrative source of income to many of them. In fact some ICT staff reserved the power to award grades to students depending on students’ degree of compliance to terms and conditions. They can dubiously make or unmake a student. The university community should be considered too lofty to have careless, negligent, immoral and academic or professionally deficient people as academic or non-academic staff.

The Governing Councils and Senates of universities should be proactive in addressing the menace of missing Script, inputting of wrong results and sorting. This is necessary to end the slogan “Education is scam” so the system can produce quality students who are truly found worthy in learning and in character by operators who exemplify diligence, moral and ethical values. The much-needed reform must begin within the institutions themselves, because the future of any society is shaped in its classrooms.

By: Igbiki Benibo