State Police Creation Viewed as Essential by Governors
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced on Wednesday that all 36 state governors are united in their support for the establishment of a state police force. He emphasized their commitment to turning this vision into reality, underscoring the urgency of the initiative in addressing Nigeria’s security concerns.
“We are ready for state police,” Oyebanji stated during a press conference after he received his certificate of return for a second term from President Bola Tinubu at the Abuja state house. He expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for advancing a constitutional amendment that will pave the way for implementing this crucial reform.
The governor highlighted that discussions regarding the state police had already taken place within the National Economic Council, with most states expressing their support for the initiative. He assured the public that governors are determined to expedite the approval process to begin immediate implementation.
Legislative Safeguards Address Concerns Over State Police Use
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who accompanied Oyebanji during the meeting with the President, concurred on the necessity of a state police force. He noted that the proposal transcends mere political maneuvering and reflects a pragmatic approach to the country’s pressing security challenges.
“State police are a product of necessity, not political gain,” Bamidele stated. He asserted that the National Assembly is implementing constitutional and legal frameworks designed to mitigate the risk of misuse of state policing powers by governors. This assurance aims to alleviate public apprehension about potential political abuses associated with the new force.
Recognizing the validity of concerns surrounding the politicization of the state police, Bamidele explained that such issues were thoroughly considered during the constitutional amendment process. He reaffirmed that lawmakers have instituted mechanisms intended to prevent or significantly curtail opportunities for abuse resulting from state police operations.
Future Legislative Amendments to Strengthen State Policing Framework
Bamidele acknowledged the existing influence governors have over federal police deployments, given their roles as chief security officers of their respective states. He reiterated that the upcoming legal framework will incorporate preventative measures specifically aimed at limiting governors’ powers.
“While not every concern can be enshrined in the constitution, it is essential that they are given due consideration,” he remarked. He also stated that more detailed operational measures will be integrated into the proposed amendments to the Police Act once the constitutional amendment establishing the state police is ratified.
The Senate Majority Leader asserted that these subsequent amendments to the Police Act will provide in-depth regulations that cannot be encapsulated within the Constitution, thereby creating a robust legal infrastructure governing state police operations.
Growing Support for Decentralization of Policing in Nigeria
Bamidele pointed to the widespread support among state governors as indicative of a national consensus on the need to decentralize policing in light of Nigeria’s evolving security landscape. He expressed optimism that once the constitutional amendment bill reaches the state legislatures, it will be swiftly approved.
“A majority of governors are unified in their stance, which suggests that we can expect a quick passage of the bill through state legislatures once it is officially introduced,” he concluded.
