State police: Discordant tunes as governors, senators forewarn abuse
Nigerian officials and stakeholders are debating the proposed establishment of state police, with concerns regarding potential political abuse by governors. Proponents argue it is necessary to address the country's high crime rates and low police-to-citizen ratio.
Why it matters
The debate over state police represents a fundamental shift in Nigeria's security architecture and federalist structure.
By : Azeez Olorunlomeru , Andrew Oota , Sodiq Omolaoye
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There are discordant tunes over the establishment of state police , with some citing likely abuse by state governors, while others welcome the development as a panacea for insecurity in Nigeria.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) cautioned against the abuse of the initiative by state governments, insisting that any constitutional framework establishing state policing must include strong safeguards to prevent political manipulation and protect citizens’ fundamental rights.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has for financial autonomy and investment in modern security infrastructure for state police when created, stressing the need for any legal framework for state police to take into account the need for national standards, national support, local capability and local decision-making.
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