The Commisdioner of police, Kano state command Muhammad Usaini Gumel who was recently awarded the best advocate of Community policing by the Nigerian police force has presented a paper on the travails of Nigeria’s electoral process in the fourth Republic.

The event was organized by the Mumbayya house in Kano.

Below is his full unedited speech at the occasion.

DEMOCRACY OR “COURTOCRACY”: THE TRAVAILS OF NIGERIA’S ELECTORAL PROCESS IN THE FOURTH REPUBLIC

*REMARKS BY*

*CP MOHAMMED USAINI GUMEL, FIPMA, psc*

AT THE ANNUAL AMINU KANO MEMORIAL SYMPOSIUM HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 17TH APRIL 2024 AT MAMBAYYA HOUSE, GWAMMAJA, KANO

PROTOCOL.

It is my honor to address this distinguished audience at this occasion of the Annual Aminu Kano Memorial Symposium on the topic _”Democracy or ‘Courtocracy’: The Travails of Nigeria’s Electoral Process in the Fourth Republic”. I thank the Organizers for associating me, and by extension the Kano Police Command with this intellectual gathering.

Now, from the topic, I presume that the intention is to examine the role of the Courts in our recent democratic evolution, particularly in resolving election disputes. This is something that has generated different views from analysts and pundits alike. Now, as a police officer, I do not think I qualify to make any bold points about the contest between legalism and politics. However, looking at the recent political events in Nigeria, I would agree with the saying that “Law is politics by other means”. The judicialization of our electoral process gives credence to this assertion.

The fact is that there is a thin line separating politics and law. The philosophers have aptly made the point about laws being the instruments for political contests, the tools of the powerful in society, and the shield of the elite against the masses.

*Elections in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic*

From 1999 to date, Nigeria is said to be witnessing its fourth republic. It is the longest period of uninterrupted practice of democracy in the country. We have witnessed seven (7) electoral cycles from 1999; 2003; 2007; 2011; 2015; 2019 and 2023. In the process, we have also seen peaceful transitions from one civilian administration to another, and the transfer of power between parties in power and in opposition. Nigerians have therefore experienced governance under both incumbents and oppositions. It means *Democracy has gone full cycle!*

Despite these transitions, elections have remained eventful: Hotly contested, and often settled in Courts. The role of election tribunals has gained currency in recent times. We have witnessed different judicial processes that produced outcomes for electoral contests, which leave many wondering if the Courts, rather than the people, have ultimately become the deciders of who wins or loses in an election. This, I believe, is what the organizers have in mind when they coined the concept of _“Courtocracy_ and speak about the _Travails of Nigeria’s Electoral Process in the Fourth Republic._ I find this interesting and intriguing. It is indeed ingenious, so I congratulate the Organizers for coming up with such catchy descriptions.

*_Courtocracy_ and Security in the Electoral Process*

While free and fair election is the hallmark of a democratic system, election malpractices and violence have been regarded as obstacles to the consolidation of democratic institutions. This makes the issue of security very crucial in all the phases of the electoral process: the pre-electoral, electoral, and post-electoral phases. The role of the security agencies is to safeguard the electoral environment and electoral process. For this reason, the security agencies are exposed to the machinations of political actors. To optimize the role of the security agencies, an Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) was established in Nigeria before the 2011 General Elections, which establishes the code of conduct and rules of engagement for the security agencies before, during and after elections. With this, all security men and women on electoral duty now have a common standard of reference for their actions. The security personnel contribute to the judicial processes of elections as they are responsible for protecting election materials, personnel, and arresting offenders. The security agencies also provide safe space for the conduct of the judicial proceedings, ensuring that there is no disruption. In this way, the security agencies’ role in _courtocracy_ is the provision of evidence and safe space, but not directly in determining the outcome of the Court proceedings, which I leave to our learned men and women to speak about.

*Distinguish Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,*

Let me conclude by saying that the term _”Courtocracy”_ has emerged to describe a situation where legal battles and court rulings play a significant role in determining electoral outcomes, sometimes overshadowing the will of the people expressed through the ballot box. This raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the extent to which the rule of law guides our democracy.

Nigeria, as a nation, has made significant strides in transitioning to democratic governance. Yet, the prevalence of electoral irregularities, political violence, vote-buying, and other malpractices has eroded public trust in the electoral system. This, coupled with the phenomenon of judicial interventions in electoral disputes, has led to a growing perception of courts wielding more influence than voters in shaping political leadership.

For democracy to thrive in Nigeria, it is imperative that the electoral process upholds the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability. Political actors, electoral bodies, security agencies, and the judiciary all have a crucial role to play in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections that truly reflect the will of the people.

As the Commissioner of Police of the Kano Police Command, I urge fellow law enforcement agencies to maintain neutrality, uphold professionalism, and guarantee the safety and security of all citizens during elections. We must work tirelessly to prevent electoral violence, investigate electoral offenses, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

The _Travails of Nigeria’s electoral process in the Fourth Republic_ underscore the urgent need for reforms that will strengthen democratic institutions, promote electoral integrity, and restore confidence in the electoral system. By upholding the values of democracy and the rule of law, we can steer our nation toward a future where the voice of the people truly shapes the course of governance.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Miscreants have been warn to stay off critical government activities and functionsries accross Kano State as failure to do so will invoke dire consequences on invaders, their sponsors. Kano state command’s public relations officer, SP. Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa has revealed Friday.

The warning was issued Thursday during innauguration of the newly appointed Commisdioners at the government house Kano by the governor of the state, Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Eight suspected political thugs were arrested during the function while attempting to breach peace.

“The suspected thugs that constituted themselves as pressure group and supporters of one of the infamous politician attemted to breach law and order.’

The Police assures members of the public that all necessary measures have been taken to prevent any act that could lead to disruptions of peace and security in all parts of the State.

The State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Usaini Gumel, reiterated the determination of the police command to ruthlessly deal with any miscreant or their sponsors that tries to disrupt peace under whatever guise, especially during critical Government functionaries and will be made to face dire consequences.

Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Usaini Gumel, SP. Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa has bag the inspector general of police (IGP) award of excellence in two different categories.

The two outstanding officers currently serving in the Kano state police command as commissioner of police and Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO respectively were recognized for the award in view of their promiscuous achievements and honesty in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The IGP’s awards and Commendations Ceremony which was held on Monday 15th April, 2024 at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja according to the Force Public Relations Officer, FPPRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobiu was for deserving officers who exhibits high level for exemplary performance and dedication to duty to Nigerians as officers of the Nigeria Police.

ASP. Adejobi stated that. “The ceremony aim at motivating officers and men of the Nigerian Police Force to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service while recognising and honouring gallant, industrious, committed, honest and patriotic officers of the Force whose nominations were thoroughly scrutinised by the award Committee and inspire officers to be more committed to their work by emulating award winners.”

Kano State command’s Commissioner of police Muhammad Usaini Gumel won the best advocate of community policing initiative while the Command’s Public Relations Officer PPRO SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa won the best PPRO of the year.

CP Gumel according to the information read during the presentation of the award was described as “unrepentant advocate of community policing, resolving potential volatile conflicts and in fighting criminality.”

“He has within two months of his assumption of office as Kano State command’s Commissioner of Police, through inter-agency collaboration, intelligence gathering, stakeholders collaboration and other initiatives of community policing strategies reduce drastically, mobile phone robbery which was rampant.”

“Because of the large numbers of thugs, he embarked on a seal with stakeholders which worked out effectively in drastic reduction of the number of thugs in kano State. He has successfully counsel 222 youths that terrorise innocent citizens in the state to repent from the act of thuggery.”

“He engage relevant stakeholders with the aim of, understanding, dialogue and co-operation towards finding sustainable solutions to the 40 year old farmers and herders clashes among others.”

On his part during the presentation of the award as best Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO of the year. SP. Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa was presented to the Public as an officer who pay special attention to communicating and engaging with people especially in their local Hausa language.

“He participate in about five weekly programs on radio, television and other fora. He prepared and circulated 90 press releases, 150 photo news, 165 engagement videos and 20 press releases on both conventional and social media between 1st January, 2023 to 21st December of the same year.”

“He is the recipient of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Commendation for exemplary representation of the police force, community partnership and dominating the socialist media space with social media engagements.”

Kiyawa was also presented to the dignitaries as “the recipient of the Inspector General of Police Commendation for hard work, commitment, honesty and bridging the gap between the police and the public.”

He is also the recipient of commendation letter from the Nigerian police radio and many more from agencies and organizations.

The IGP has showered encomiums on junior officers who have been well represented in the nominee’s lineup for their outstanding noticeable performances, which earned them the nominations. He also emphasized their crucial role in maintaining law and order across the country.

The Inspector General of Police extends heartfelt congratulations to all nominees and the winners. wishing them the very best while reaffirming the staunch dedication of the Force to fostering a culture of excellence and professionalism among its personnel.

He charges all officers and men to continually show devotion to duty as the NPF looks forward to honouring more deserving officers in the future.

Winner, in each of the categories were decorated by the special guests, that includes Kano state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, mthe vice president, Kashim Shetima who represented president Bola Tinubu.