INTERROGATING THE POWERS OF THE GOVERNOR AS CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER OF THE STATE IN NIGERIA: ANY NEED FOR STATE POLICE?

Abstract

This article examines the powers of a State Governor in Nigeria particularly those powers as Chief Security Officer of his state. Nigeria prides itself as operating a federal system of government. By the Constitution of Nigeria 1999, Nigeria is a Federation Constituting of Thirty-Six States. Each of the states of the federation is governed by a Governor. Just as the President who is vested with the Executive Powers of the Federation, the Executive Powers of the State are vested in the Governor, which powers are extended to the execution and maintenance of the Constitution and all laws made by the House of Assembly of the State. Going by the abundant provisions of the Constitution, it does appear that as the President is the Chief Security Officer of the Federation, so is the Governor the Chief Security of his state. Recent developments in the country have called for a re-examination of these powers. Commissioners of Police and indeed all Police Officers do not take orders from the Governor in times of crisis, most worrisome is the withdrawal of police personnel giving security cover to the Governor in critical times. The paper adopts a doctrinal approach devoid of empirical studies and has come to the conclusion that just like it is operational in the United States. Nigerian Constitution should make provision for state police. The article shall proffer an answer to whether there is a need for a state police in the face of these daunting challenges.