By Abba Anwar

The history of the Constabulary in Nigeria dates back to 1861 when the British colonial administration established the Lagos Constabulary. For maintaining law and order within the Protectorate.

In 1861 Lagos Constabulary formed with 30 men to maintain law and order in Lagos Colony. As time went on, the need for more hands in the art of maintaining law and order in Lagos arose, in 1879 the Constabulary expanded to 100 men.

Due to the good performance of Lagos Constabulary and the need to replicate similar security architecture in other regions, in 1890s to be precise, Constabularies established in other Nigerian territories, including the Royal Niger Company Constabulary.

The need for the expansion of this security agency for maintaining law and order, came handy, which necessitated its consolidation between 1900 to 1960.

For example in 1906, Northern and Southern Nigeria Constabularies merged to form the Nigerian Police Force. Meaning, Nigeria Police Force is an offshoot of Nigeria’s Constabulary.
While in 1914 Nigeria Police Force reorganized into the Northern and Southern Provincial Police Forces.

Few decades before Independence in 1930s to be precise, Nigeria Police Force expanded to include specialized units like Marine Police, Mounted Police, etc.

In Post-Independence from 1960 to present Nigeria there were many changes that occurred in the process. For example in 1960 Nigerian Police Force became a National Force after Independence.

From1967 to 1970 Nigerian Civil War led to significant expansion and reorganization of the Police Force in 1990s Nigerian Police Force restructured into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other specialized agencies for complying with modern policing.

In single and simple sentence, Constabulory is the mother of Nigeria Police Force, midwifed by many regimes.

Not only Nigeria Police Force, the primary law enforcement agency in the country, was created from Nigerian Constabulory, there are other agencies that were also created from the agency.
Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was established in 1967, it was renamed and restructured in 2003.

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was established in 1988 as a specialized agency for road safety management.
Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) was established in 1963 as the Nigerian Immigration Department. It later became a paramilitary organization in 1992.

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) was established in 1892 as the Nigerian Customs Department. It later became a paramilitary organization in 1970.

While other specialized agencies, such as the State Security Service (SSS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), were also separately established to address specific security concerns. But these agencies were created outside Constabulory.

Understanding this history, the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during his tenure 2015 to 2023, he made good use of the history and floated an excellent process to comply with the modern policing strategy, community policing.

He did it well, in such a way that, he brought together all the secure agencies and established operational rapport amongst them. This singular, but workable idea merged with political will, helped the state to become the most peaceful state in the federation, when Ganduje was captaining the ship.

Responding to his situation, the Nigerian state, local organizations and foreign organizations, appreciated Ganduje’s model as an excellent disposition of skilled and focused leadership, with unscathing and seamless political will and gave him Awards of Excellence in the area of security.

Kano witnessed one of her most peaceful era when Ganduje was on the throne. Ganduje believed that modern community policing strategy, Constabulary, plays a vital role in Nigeria and other nations. That was why he revived the role of traditional institutions in securing our local communities. He initiated Security Summits across our 5 Emirates in the state.

While understanding the role of all security agencies generally, he also amplified neighborhood patrols, where Constables engage in foot patrols, building relationships with residents, and addressing local concerns.

In the face of community engagement, his administration gave special consideration to the Constabulory participation in community meetings, events, and initiatives to foster trust and cooperation.

In the area of intelligence gathering, the administration of Ganduje linked the process to other security agencies with Constables as another sources to gather information on local crime trends and share with other agencies. This gave way to harmonious working relationship with all the security agencies.

It is believe that Nigeria Police Force burden in enforcing and maintaining law and order, in the country, gets helping hand from Constables, who serve as frontline officers in community policing.
It is evident how Community Police Officers (CPOs) work closely with local leaders and residents. While Special Constabularies (e.g., Railway Police, Port Police) focus on specific areas.

Community policing as enunciated and supported by Constabulory body is a global trend and relevant in modern policing. In the United Kingdom for example Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) support constables in community policing.

In United States of America Community Police Officers and Neighborhood Police Officers engage in community-focused policing. While in Australia Community Constables work with indigenous communities. As in Canada where Community Police Officers focus on building relationships and trust.

It is evidently clear that there are underlying benefits of Constabulary in Community Policing across the globe in recent time. Such as improved community relationships, enhanced trust, reducing crime, increased intelligence gathering, more effective problem-solving, among many others.

But all these benefits are not without challenges. As it is obtainable elsewhere. But fundamentally speaking, Constabulory activities and Police core responsibilities, should be made to become more blended and proactive. As it is the case in more developed societies. As evidently given above.

Anwar was former Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He can be reached at fatimanbaba1@gmail.com
November, 2024

Zulyadaini Dahiru Lawan

The recent appointment of Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as the Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks yet another milestone in the illustrious career of a man who has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to public service. As a son of Fagge Local Government Area and a distinguished politician in Kano State, Hon. Ata’s journey in leadership has been a source of pride for his constituents and an inspiration to many.

Hon. Ata’s political career spans over three terms in the Kano State House of Assembly, where his dedication to governance earned him the prestigious role of Speaker. His tenure was marked by legislative reforms aimed at strengthening accountability and transparency in government. Under his leadership, the Assembly navigated numerous challenges, and he played a pivotal role in fostering unity among lawmakers, ensuring that the interests of the people remained at the forefront of decision-making.

In Fagge, Hon. Ata is more than just a political figure—he is a symbol of resilience and progress. His deep understanding of the community’s needs, coupled with his ability to engage with people at the grassroots level, has endeared him to the hearts of many. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for education, youth empowerment, and infrastructural development, all of which have positively impacted the lives of the people in Fagge and beyond.

His appointment as Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development is a clear recognition of his leadership capabilities and his understanding of the challenges Nigeria faces in urban development. The housing sector is one of the key pillars of national development, and Hon. Ata’s vision for affordable and accessible housing will undoubtedly benefit millions of Nigerians, particularly in areas where rapid urbanization has led to housing shortages.

As he takes on this new responsibility at the federal level, there is no doubt that his wealth of experience and his connection to the needs of ordinary citizens will guide his policies and decisions. His leadership in Kano State has proven that he has both the vision and the practical skills needed to bring about positive change. In this new role, Hon. Ata is well-positioned to spearhead significant advancements in urban planning and housing reforms, ensuring that Nigeria’s cities can grow sustainably while addressing the housing needs of all citizens.

For those of us from Fagge, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata is a source of inspiration. His rise to prominence, grounded in hard work and a commitment to public service, reflects the potential that lies within our community. His leadership reminds us that, with dedication and a focus on the greater good, we can achieve progress that benefits everyone.

As we celebrate his appointment, we are confident that his tenure as Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development will bring about meaningful and lasting change for Nigeria. Hon. Ata’s journey is one that exemplifies the best of leadership, and we look forward to the continued contributions he will make, not only for Kano State but for the entire nation.

About the author
Zulyadaini Dahiru Lawan is a dedicated Mathematics lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, with a keen interest in politics and public policy. A resident of Danrimi, Kwachiri ward and an active member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he has worked closely with various community leaders to support initiatives aimed at improving education and social welfare in Kano State. Zulyadaini Dahiru Lawan combines academic expertise and political engagement to drive meaningful change in both education and governance.
Contact: [lawanzulyadaini@gmail.com][+2347036443885]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle, where he fired five ministers, redeployed 10 to other ministries and appointed seven new ministers has raised many eyebrows especially in the wake of the call for reinvigoration of his administration.

The reshuffle has sparked controversy, with many Nigerians questioning its motivations. While majority expect it to be an attempt at revitalising his administrations poor performance occasioned by diminishing hope in the face of harsh economic policies meting untold hardship on millions of Nigerians in the country, the President rather successfully doused an opportunity for a renewed hope breather as many argue that his moves prioritises political interests over performance.

But I will argue differently. Many thought the President would be sacking non performing ministers in his cabinet but he ended up changing the portfolio’s of some ministers that should have been given the boot over perpetual poor performance.

I personally think if President Tinubu’s priority were politically inclined, he would have have had it both ways by retaining people like Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo of the Housing and urban development, who is an astute grassroots politician and diehard loyalist of the President.

Mr Tinubu has severally been criticised for key decisions that diverged from public expectations but one will not expect that the President will gamble loyalty, plus Politics, plus performance over just politics.

Touted as a Kingmaker himself, President Tinubu should be wary of historical Precedents where poor appointments undermined leaders authority and ultimately led to their downfall.

Pharaoh Akhenaten, a pivotal political figure in ancient Egyptian history, known for his radical reforms and mysterious reign and whose enigma has continued to captivate historians and scholars till date, appointed advisors who mismanaged the economy and alienated nobles.

Akhenaten the tenth ruler for the eighteenth dynasty who reigned from in 1353 – 1336 BCE, surrounded himself with inexperienced and loyal advisors, rather than seasoned officials. This led to poor decision-making and mismanagement of the kingdom.

His advisors isolated him from traditional power centers, such as the priestly class and nobles, creating opposition and resentment.

The advisors’ incompetence resulted in economic decline, weakened foreign influence and internal unrest, ultimately contributing to Akhenaten’s downfall and the collapse of his reforms.

While the official performance evaluations used to sack or retain ministers are yet to be made public, it is visible to the blind that certain “power centers” and “nobles” are deliberately being alienated, creating a potential “Akhenaten” scenario for President Tinubu’s reign.

At the time analysts are of the opinion that the President should have considered scrapping the office of state Ministers to reduce the cost of governance and to avoid duplication of duties, it is curious that among the sacked Ministers, only Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo was a state minister.

If the official performance evaluations were of any standard and transparent matrics, I dare say, Gwarzo shouldn’t have been sacked. Together with his senior Minister Dangiwa, they have performed wonders bringing a series of reforms, and developing a roadmap to revitalise the Housing and Urban Development sector.

On the basis of the so called scorecard, Hadiza Bala Usman has woefully failed in accessing Abdullahi Gwarzo’s performance even with his position as a Junior Minister.

Sacking a junior minister while retaining the senior minister raises questions about fairness and collective responsibility. Since they work together, achievements are often credited to both ministers. This move sparks concerns about selective accountability, lack of transparency and unresolved issues. Why punish only the junior minister when both are responsible for the outcomes, what criteria justified the junior minister’s removal, and will removing the junior minister truly address the underlying problems if any at all?

Abdullahi Gwarzo, a devoted loyalist of President Tinubu, has a notable political background. He was the Action Congress of Nigeria’s gubernatorial candidate in 2011 and previously served as Deputy Governor of Kano state from 2007 to 2011. During his tenure, he oversaw the state’s water resources ministry, earning him the nickname “Ruwa Baba” (meaning “Water Father” in Hausa). President Tinubu would affectionately chant “Ruwa Baba” whenever they met at functions, showcasing their close relationship and mutual regard.

This is a man who from time immemorial is always at the forefront of defending the interest of the president even to the detriment of his own interest and ambition. It is on record that the National leader of the Kwankwasiya movement in Kano, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ferociously fought his senatorial ambition because he did the bidding of Tinubu during the APC primaries that produced Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

Abdullahi Gwarzo’s contribution to Tinubu’s emergence cannot be overemphasised, he delivered not only his polling unit but his local government to the President unlike his replacement, Yusuf Ata who lacks an iota of political clout or competence.

If the President aims to balance appointments for political correctness and give Kano Central a fair chance, he should recognize that key positions are already held by individuals from Kano Central.

The Director General of National Productivity Centre Baffa Babba Danagundi who is also a grassroots mobilizer is from Kano Central, the Special Adviser to the President Sen. Bashir Garba Mohammed Lado is also from the Kano Central and the Chairman of the Governing Council of Bayero University Kano who was also the governorship flagbearer of the APC in 2023 Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna is also from Kano Central.

Given Kano’s significance as Nigeria’s largest populated state, contributing substantially to the country’s economy and employment, and its historical importance as a major political and trade hub, the President should know that Kano deserves more than Ogun from him.

By political calculation, Kano Central is the weak zone of the APC, even if the entire APC members converge at Kano Central, it will be hard for them to checkmate or defeat Kwankwaso. That’s the NNPP stronghold in Kano and Kwankwaso’s strength since 2011.

It is not to late for the President to reconsider this decision as there is no tangible reason to convince Nigerians and the people of Kano on why Abdullahi Gwarzo was removed as a Minister of the Federal Republic.

What happened to an ACN loyalist and disciple of the Tinubu School of Thought will only discourage other loyalists from standing firmly with sincerity on the mandate of President Tinubu.

The President has a crucial opportunity to debunk the notion that the Yoruba people are untrustworthy by rewarding the unwavering loyalty of a devoted follower. This move would not only demonstrate his commitment to honoring loyalty but also challenge prevailing stereotypes about the Yoruba community’s trustworthiness. By doing so, the President can foster greater unity, understanding and inclusivity within the nation.

Or better still, even if for selfish interest, the President should be wary that by alienating people like Gwarzo in his administration, a potential “Akhenaten” scenario looms.

Kayode Abdulrazag writes from Sabo Yaba, Lagos.