Police Complaint Mechanisms Critical to Promoting Accountability, Transparency – RULAAC

By Praise Chinedum

Rule of Law and Accountability and Advocacy Center (RULAAC) has identified effective police complaint mechanisms as crucial for promoting accountability, transparency and trust in law enforcement.

Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma stated this on Wednesday at a Stakeholders Partnership Town Hall Meeting in Awka, Anambra state, organized by the Police Stakeholders Partnership Forum (PSPF) and facilitated by RULAAC with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption, RoLAC 2 Program being implemented by the International IDEA.

He said for such mechanisms to be achieved, they must adhere to key values of accessibility, transparency and fairness.

“By upholding these values, police complaint mechanisms can enhance public trust and confidence in law enforcement; identify and address systemic issues and service failures; promote accountability and transparency within police forces, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning

“Ultimately, effective police complaint mechanisms are essential for ensuring that law enforcement agencies serve and protect their communities with integrity and respect for human rights,” he said.

According to Nwanguma, the TownHall is focused on the vital themes of Promoting Human Rights, Law Enforcement Accountability, and Effective Criminal Justice Administration in Anambra State.

“Today, as we come together, our mission remains clear: to foster a culture of respect for human rights, enhance accountability, and promote effective criminal justice delivery. With the support we’ve received from the International IDEA, we are poised to expand our work and deepen our impact.

“This Town Hall Meeting is an invitation to each of you to engage in meaningful dialogue, to share your insights, and to collaborate on strategies that will further our collective goals.

“It is our hope that together, we will strengthen partnerships among stakeholders, increase community awareness, and improve perceptions of police accountability.

While commending Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s bold and audacious steps in confronting crime and insecurity in the state through the enactment of the new Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, RULAAC boss described the initiative as worth supporting without partisan or other mundane considerations.

“The welfare and security of the people and residents of this state must be put first and ahead of any other personal or narrow interests,” he stressed.