The enforcement of laws is critical to the functioning of any society. In Nigeria, like in many countries, law enforcement is pivotal to maintaining order, safeguarding rights, and ensuring justice. However, the country’s political environment has proven to be a significant stumbling block to the effective enforcement of laws. The intersection of politics and law enforcement in Nigeria creates a complex web of challenges that hinder justice and accountability. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which politics impedes effective law enforcement in Nigeria, touching on factors such as corruption, political influence over law enforcement agencies, selective enforcement of laws, and systemic challenges in governance.
1. Politicization of Law Enforcement Agencies
One of the most glaring ways politics interferes with law enforcement in Nigeria is through the politicization of law enforcement agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Department of State Services (DSS). These agencies are often influenced by the ruling political party or powerful political figures. As a result, instead of operating as independent institutions that uphold the law impartially, they become tools in the hands of politicians for settling scores and protecting their interests.
For example, during elections or periods of political unrest, law enforcement agencies may be deployed to suppress opposition members while turning a blind eye to the actions of government officials or ruling party loyalists. This selective use of law enforcement not only undermines the integrity of the agencies but also erodes public trust in their ability to deliver justice.
2. Corruption and Patronage Networks
Corruption remains one of the most significant challenges facing Nigeria, and its influence is particularly damaging in the context of law enforcement. Political leaders and influential individuals frequently use bribery and patronage networks to evade accountability, weakening the enforcement of laws. This corruption exists at all levels—from the political elite to local law enforcement officers.
Police officers or law enforcement agents may be reluctant to act against wealthy or well-connected individuals who can offer bribes or political favors in return for leniency. Corruption within the judiciary further complicates the situation, as cases can be delayed, dismissed, or manipulated in favor of those who can afford to pay off judges, prosecutors, or other legal actors.
For example, high-profile corruption cases involving former public officials or politicians often drag on for years without resolution, leading to the perception that justice is reserved for the rich and powerful. A good example of this incident in recent times is the case of FRN vs Orji Uzor Kalu (Former Governor of Abia State) & 2 others.
3. Political Interference in Judicial Processes
Nigeria’s judicial system, while constitutionally independent, is not immune to political interference. Politicians can exert undue influence on judges, prosecutors, and investigators, often through threats, bribery, or political pressure. In high-profile cases, such interference undermines the judiciary’s ability to act independently and fairly.
This interference can take several forms. For instance, political actors may influence the appointment of judges and senior law enforcement officials, ensuring that those loyal to them are placed in key positions. Once appointed, these individuals may prioritize political considerations over the rule of law, making decisions that benefit their political patrons rather than ensuring justice is served.
4. Selective Enforcement and the Rule of Law
One of the most damaging consequences of the intersection of politics and law enforcement is the selective enforcement of laws. Laws in Nigeria are not always enforced uniformly or impartially. Instead, individuals connected to the ruling party or those in positions of power often receive preferential treatment, while the poor and marginalized bear the brunt of law enforcement.
For example, in cases involving land disputes, property ownership, or business transactions, politically connected individuals may leverage their influence to secure favorable outcomes, regardless of the legality of their actions. This selective enforcement breeds resentment and a lack of faith in the system, as citizens perceive that laws are applied differently depending on one’s socio-political status.
Similarly, when corruption investigations are launched, they are often perceived as tools to target political opponents rather than a genuine effort to combat corruption. Political opponents are more likely to face prosecution, while allies of the government enjoy immunity or lighter penalties.
5. Weak Institutional Capacity
The lack of institutional capacity in Nigeria’s law enforcement bodies is another factor that impedes effective enforcement of laws. This is often compounded by political interference. Law enforcement agencies suffer from poor funding, inadequate training, and a lack of modern equipment. Additionally, recruitment practices are often influenced by nepotism and political considerations, leading to a workforce that may lack the necessary professionalism and competence.
When political considerations take precedence over merit, law enforcement agencies become inefficient and ineffective. Officers may lack the skills, resources, and motivation to perform their duties effectively. This allows politicians and other powerful individuals to manipulate law enforcement bodies with ease.
6. Ethnic and Religious Politics
Nigeria’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society has often seen political actors exploit ethnic and religious divides to gain political leverage. This ethnoreligious dimension of politics can influence law enforcement agencies, especially in cases where ethnic or religious loyalties come into play.
A notable instance of ethnic and religious politics in Nigeria occurred during the 2011 presidential election. Following the election, which saw Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the southern Ijaw ethnic group, win against Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim from the northern Fulani ethnic group, violence erupted in several northern states. Many northern Muslims felt politically marginalized by Jonathan’s victory, as it disrupted the informal power-sharing agreement between the North and South (the “zoning” system) in Nigerian politics.
The post-election violence led to significant ethnic and religious tensions, with clashes resulting in the deaths of over 800 people and widespread destruction of property, including churches and mosques. This incident underscores how ethnic and religious divisions can be politically exploited, leading to violent outcomes in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious society.
Law enforcement officials may be hesitant to act against individuals from the same ethnic or religious group due to fear of backlash or accusations of bias. In some cases, political leaders deliberately shield members of their ethnic or religious group from prosecution, leading to a culture of impunity. This undermines the principle of equality before the law and hampers effective law enforcement.
7. Weakness in Governance and the Rule of Law
Weak governance structures create an enabling environment for political interference in law enforcement. Nigeria’s weak rule of law is exacerbated by inconsistent governance, lack of accountability, and ineffective regulatory frameworks. The absence of strong institutions means that political actors can exert significant influence over law enforcement without fear of repercussions.
The failure of successive governments to reform the security and judicial sectors further weakens the enforcement of laws. Without comprehensive reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and independence, the law enforcement apparatus remains vulnerable to political manipulation.
8. Election-Related Violence and Law Enforcement Failures
Election periods in Nigeria are often marred by violence, intimidation, and manipulation. Law enforcement agencies, instead of acting as neutral enforcers of the law, are frequently co-opted into the service of political interests. Politicians employ thugs, and law enforcement turns a blind eye, resulting in violence that goes unchecked.
A recent example of election-related violence and law enforcement failures in Nigeria occurred during the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos and Rivers States. Reports of voter intimidation, ballot box snatching, and attacks on polling stations marred the elections, especially in areas considered strongholds of opposition parties. In some cases, political thugs were hired to disrupt voting and intimidate voters, particularly targeting ethnic groups like the Igbo community in Lagos, who were perceived to support opposition candidates.
Law enforcement agencies, such as the police, were criticized for their failure to prevent or adequately respond to these incidents. Despite the presence of security personnel at polling units, many violent activities went unchecked. There were allegations that law enforcement officers either stood by or were complicit in the violence, as some were accused of being influenced by powerful political figures. This failure to ensure voter safety and uphold the integrity of the electoral process contributed to widespread public distrust in the system and raised concerns about the role of security agencies in future elections.
The inability of law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security during elections speaks to the broader issue of political influence. Those tasked with upholding the law are either compromised or too weak to resist the pressures exerted by political actors.
Conclusion
The effective enforcement of laws in Nigeria is profoundly impeded by the country’s political realities. The deep entanglement between politics and law enforcement creates a system where the rule of law is often subverted for political gain. From the politicization of law enforcement agencies to selective enforcement and corruption, the political system severely undermines the integrity of legal institutions.
For Nigeria to move toward a more just and equitable society, comprehensive reforms are needed. This includes strengthening the independence of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary, improving institutional capacity, and promoting transparency and accountability within the political system. Only by addressing these fundamental issues can Nigeria begin to disentangle politics from the enforcement of laws and build a society governed by justice, fairness, and the rule of law.