The call for the establishment of state police received a major boost at the weekend with the backing of major socio-cultural organizations in Nigeria- Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Arewa youths.
DAILY POST reports that for decades, there has been an intense debate on the necessity of establishing state police in Nigeria and the fear of politicization by state governors.
On February 15, 2024, President Bola Tinubu met with state governors in Abuja, where the possibility of setting up the state police was extensively discussed.
While the discussion brought a sigh of relief to some Nigerians, some stakeholders raised concerns that the country is not fit to have state police yet, expressing fear of abuse by state governors.
While some argued that the centralised Nigeria Police remains overstretched and ill-equipped to effectively police 230 million people across complex terrains, others said the governors may misuse the local police forces especially for political intimidation.
It has been reported that the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill currently on the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is among the 44 harmonised bills now ready for consideration and voting by the two chambers.
Reports indicated that the red and green chambers may vote on the bills this week before it is further sent to state Houses of Assembly.
Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Arewa youths backed the creation of state police, expressing optimism that local police may help in quelling the decade-long security challenges.
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Afenifere backs state police, sent an important message to FG
When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi stated that contrary to the view of those expressing fear, “Nigeria is ripe enough for State Police”.
According to Ajayi, the fear of possible abuse by governors is not strong enough not to set up State Police.
He argued that if governors don’t have the “apparatus of security at their command”, they would be unable to effectively discharge their duties as chief security officers of their respective states.
Ajayi advised that clauses should be inserted in the state police law that would restrain the governors from outright abuse or politicization of the local police.
Afenifere also called on the Federal Government to identify financiers of terrorism and prosecute them.
According to Ajayi, the menace of terrorism has reached an unacceptable level such that “no-one can predict where next the monster is going to rear its ugly head.
“The situation could not have been this bad were those perpetrating it not having the backing of people in high places.
“Concentrating only on kidnappers arrested in the bush would not bring an end to the scourge.
“Without the financing, endorsement, sponsorship and protection of people of means and people in high places, bandits would not be able to sustain their dastardly act for this long.”
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He gave kudos to the National Assembly for the call on the Executive Arm of the government not only to name financiers of banditry but to also prosecute them.
“The step being taken by the lawmakers to also strengthen the law on terrorism is very welcomed.
“In view of the devastating nature banditry and terrorism have reached in Nigeria today, prescribing capital punishment for the perpetrators without the option of fine is in order.
“Innocent lives of thousands have been lost, some families have been wiped out just as properties running into billions, if not trillions, have been destroyed.
“So, those perpetrating such evil acts deserve no mercy when proven guilty as they themselves show no mercy on their victims,” he stated.