By: Adekunle Victoria
photo Credit: Internet
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for institutional reforms and greater accountability among government agencies as part of efforts to address the growing insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking on the issue, Barrister Jeremiah Babaleye, a legal practitioner, said the NBA has an important role to play by advocating for accountability and demanding that government institutions effectively carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, accountability should cut across the three arms of government, the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
He explained that the Executive is responsible for providing and adequately funding security agencies, including the military and the police, while the Legislature is expected to provide effective oversight and serve as a check and balance on the activities of the Executive.
Babaleye expressed concern that some institutions appear not to be adequately performing their responsibilities, stressing that addressing insecurity requires more than simply increasing funding.
He said there is a need to examine how existing funds allocated to security agencies are being utilized, who is responsible for managing the resources and whether the welfare of security personnel is being adequately addressed.
The legal practitioner also emphasized the importance of proper welfare and retirement packages for security personnel
“Putting someone out to fight, you must be ready to pay well,” he noted, stressing that security personnel who risk their lives to protect citizens should receive adequate remuneration and welfare.
Babaleye further raised questions about the effectiveness of the Police Service Commission and the funding of state police, particularly amid ongoing discussions about the possibility of establishing state-controlled police formations.
He questioned who would be responsible for funding state police and how political influence, particularly from state governors, could be prevented from undermining their independence and effectiveness.
The lawyer also expressed optimism about the incoming leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, saying he looked forward to seeing what the new NBA president would bring to the table, particularly in strengthening the association’s advocacy for institutional accountability and reform.
Call for Police Accountability
Babaleye stressed that accountability should not be limited to the Inspector-General of Police or the availability of funding.
He argued that attention must also be given to how resources are utilized and how effectively institutions responsible for maintaining law and order perform their duties.
He said strengthening security requires a comprehensive approach that considers funding, personnel welfare, institutional oversight, professionalism and accountability.
Police, Not Vigilantes, Should Handle Suspects
The legal practitioner also addressed the issue of mob action and vigilante justice.
He referred to the directive of the Inspector-General of Police that police officers should treat mob-related killings as homicide, stressing that citizens and vigilante groups should not take the law into their own hands.
According to him, members of the public or vigilantes should not execute or unlawfully arrest suspected criminals. Instead, they should identify suspects and hand them over to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.
He emphasized that the police, as a constitutionally empowered law-enforcement institution, have the responsibility to arrest, investigate and process suspects in accordance with the law.
Babalaye’s comments highlight the need for stronger institutions, effective oversight and respect for the rule of law in the country’s efforts to tackle insecurity.
He maintained that addressing insecurity requires collective responsibility, but government institutions must take the lead by fulfilling their constitutional duties and being accountable to the people they are mandated to protect.