Does anyone have a copy of the Police Bill passed by the Senate yesterday?
I would like to acquaint myself with its provisions, as would many other Nigerians who have indicated that they have neither seen nor had access to the contents of the bill.
Given the far-reaching implications of any legislation affecting the Nigeria Police Force and the security architecture of our country, such a bill ought not to be considered behind a veil of secrecy. Nigerians deserve to know what is being enacted in their name and on their behalf.
From my experience in the Senate, the normal legislative process for a bill of this importance would ordinarily include referral to the relevant committee—in this case, the Committee on Police Affairs—for detailed consideration. The committee should then conduct a public hearing, invite stakeholders, experts, civil society organisations, professional bodies, security practitioners, and interested citizens to make submissions. The outcome of those deliberations should be compiled into a committee report and laid before the Senate for consideration before the final passage of the bill.
I am not aware that these steps were taken in this instance. If they were, then the records should be made available to the public. If they were not, then serious questions arise about transparency, consultation, and due process.
I therefore respectfully call on the Senate to immediately publish the full text of the bill, together with the committee report and records of stakeholder consultations, if any. Democracy thrives not in secrecy but in openness. Laws that affect the liberties, rights, and security of citizens should never be hidden from the citizens themselves.
I stand to be corrected if the process was duly followed, and I would welcome any information that sheds more light on the matter.
– Babafemi Ojudu