Global allies back Nigeria’s push for state police, LG autonomy

… Pledge support for Reserved Seats Bill

The European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK) and United Nations (UN) have thrown their weight behind key proposals in Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional amendment process, particularly the establishment of state police, greater autonomy for local governments, and reserved parliamentary seats for women.

They pledged their support at the national public hearing on the constitution alteration bills, convened by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review on Monday in Abuja. The hearing was attended by diplomats, legislators, government officials, civil society groups, women’s groups, as well as traditional and religious leaders, who gathered to deliberate on the proposed constitutional changes.

Richard Montgomery, British high commissioner to Nigeria, represented by Gill Lever, deputy British high commissioner, pledged the UK’s support for the Reserved Seats Bill, which seeks to enhance women’s representation in Parliament. He noted that the proposal addresses a real concern over equity.

“The Government of the United Kingdom is committed to our modest support for this process through our partnership with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre Plan. Our support is rooted in a shared belief that inclusive governance, built on public participation and on the need for fostering public trust, is a cornerstone of a resilient democracy,” he said.

“As onlookers, we are encouraged by the scope and ambition of your proposals, and there are some which will make a real difference to building your nation’s state, to make it more responsive, more inclusive and equitable. I am, of course, referring to the Special or Reserved Seats Bill,” he added.

Montgomery described the bill as a major step towards more inclusive representation, arguing that increased participation of women in governance leads to more equitable decision-making, stronger democratic outcomes, greater peace, less conflict and increased economic growth and prosperity.

According to him, equally important are the proposals on decentralised policing. He emphasised that security is a key area of cooperation between the UK and Nigeria, recalling the recent Security Defence Partnership Dialogue held in London in July, where both countries reaffirmed their commitment to working together to address shared threats.

The high commissioner noted that security threats do not respect borders and put the citizens of both countries, as well as economic goals, at risk.

“Policing is an important component of our partnership and we look forward to working with you to implement the outcomes of the review process in this area.

“As your long-standing partner and friend, the UK remains committed to supporting democratic institutions and processes that build a Nigerian nation and state that is more peaceful, prosperous and responsive to the needs of its citizens,” he said.

He described the large turnout at the hearing as evidence of Nigeria’s appetite for participatory democracy. “Opening the doors of the constitutional amendment process to wider citizen input demonstrates commitment, promoting democratic debate and accountability,” Montgomery said.

Similarly, Gautier Mignot, ambassador of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the EU was following the process closely, while also being careful not to interfere in the sovereign choices of the Nigerian people through their elected representatives and senators.

He explained that the EU’s role was to provide technical assistance, expertise and support for consultations with stakeholders, while supporting inclusive governance through the Reserved Seats Bill for women.

“We are also supporting electoral reforms. We are also supporting your judicial reforms, local government autonomy, institutional strengthening and the protection of fundamental rights,” he said.

According to the ambassador, Nigeria, with the skilfully-crafted constitutional reforms, has the potential to become more and more of a model democracy for Africa and the world.

“Rest assured that you can count on the European Union and its member states as Nigeria’s reliable and close partner. Long live Nigeria’s democracy,” he assured.

Also, Mohammed Fall, assistant secretary general, the United Nations, also pledged support for the Reserved Seats Bill. He stated that, with the bill’s passage, Nigeria would be taking a leading role on the continent, which is why the UN is firmly supporting it.