The Challenges of Security Governance in Kano State
By Dr. Mansur Hassan
Today, Kano State was the scene of chaos as a peaceful protest was hijacked by malevolent actors. While citizens initially gathered to exercise their democratic right to protest peacefully, these enemies of the state exploited the situation, resulting in vandalism of government properties and theft from innocent citizens. This unfortunate turn of events underscores the pressing need for robust security governance and the swift enforcement of law and order.
Amid the turmoil, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared a 24-hour curfew in an effort to restore peace and prevent further violence. However, despite the governor’s clear directive, the police force in Kano has yet to officially implement the curfew. This delay has exacerbated the situation, allowing disorder to persist and raising serious concerns about the efficacy and responsiveness of the state’s security apparatus.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano, like in any other Nigerian state, holds significant responsibilities. These include maintaining law and order, preventing and detecting crime, investigating crimes, and prosecuting offenders. The commissioner also oversees the management and supervision of police personnel, coordinates with other law enforcement agencies, implements police reforms and policies, ensures public safety and security, and maintains police discipline and accountability. Despite these duties, the current lapse in coordination between the police and the state government is glaring.
Conflict with the Governor’s Directives
The discord between the state police force and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is particularly troubling. As the chief security officer of the state, the governor’s directives are essential for ensuring a unified and effective response to crises. The police’s failure to act promptly on the curfew order not only undermines the governor’s authority but also compromises public safety. This situation reflects a deeper issue within the chain of command and accountability structures that govern the police force.
The Role of the Federal Government and Other Bodies
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The discord raises the question of why Kano’s situation is different. One key issue may be the complex hierarchy of accountability within the Nigerian police force. The Commissioner of Police is answerable not only to the state governor but also to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the State Security Council, the Police Service Commission (PSC), and the Ministry of Police Affairs. This multi-tiered structure can sometimes lead to conflicts of interest or divided loyalties, particularly in politically sensitive situations.
Moreover, it has been observed that some actors with vested interests, possibly enemies of the state, are exploiting these divisions to plunge Kano into chaos. Such actions are detrimental to the peace and development of the state and must be addressed promptly. The federal government must intervene to ensure that the police in Kano operate within the framework of the law and uphold the directives of the state’s executive authority. Failure to do so not only undermines the authority of the governor but also emboldens those who seek to destabilize the state for their nefarious purposes.
The Imperative of Unity in Security Operations
Effective security governance requires a seamless collaboration between the state government and the police force. The federal government must ensure that the police commissioners respect the oversight role of state governors, especially in matters of local security. The Police Service Commission and the Ministry of Police Affairs must also provide clear guidance and oversight to prevent any misunderstandings or conflicts between state and federal authorities.
Additionally, the federal government must address any underlying issues that may be causing this discord. Whether these issues are political, administrative, or personal, they must be resolved in the interest of public safety. The cooperation of all stakeholders, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), is essential for maintaining a unified and effective security apparatus in the state.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the situation in Kano State is a stark reminder of the complexities of security governance in Nigeria. The inability of the police force to align with the governor’s directives is a serious issue that requires urgent attention. The federal government must take decisive action to ensure that the police commissioner and the entire police force in Kano respect and adhere to the directives of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Only through such measures can we prevent the enemies of the state from plunging Kano into further chaos and ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
Mansur Hassan, PhD.
