During a recent National Dialogue on the Establishment of State Police, organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review in Abuja, former President Goodluck Jonathan, along with other notable figures, voiced strong support for the establishment of state police in Nigeria. The dialogue, themed "Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria," saw prominent leaders discussing critical aspects of national security and policing reforms.
Jonathan, emphasizing the urgent need for state police, stated that the debate should no longer be about its establishment but rather about ensuring it operates free of abuse. "The matter has been concluded. We should concentrate on the operations of the police," he remarked, reflecting on his experiences as the former governor of Bayelsa State and noting past support from the 2014 National Conference he organized.
Former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar also stressed the importance of keeping state police operations transparent and free from political influence. He highlighted the necessity for restraint among politicians to prevent undue interference in police operations.
Contrasting with most speakers, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed reservations about state police, suggesting instead the integration of the police with other federal safety and security bodies. His proposal aims at enhancing the overall effectiveness of the security framework in Nigeria.
Adding a monarch's perspective, the Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, implored the government to take decisive action, pointing out the disparity in police allocation that favors high-ranking officials over regular citizens, especially in regions like Abuja and Lagos. "Let’s stop talking and implement this," he urged, emphasizing the acute security needs felt by his constituents and other traditional rulers.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted that state policing could revolutionize law enforcement by addressing the unique security needs of various communities. He called for continued discussions and concrete actions beyond the dialogue to achieve meaningful police and security sector reform.
The event also included insights from legislative leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, who acknowledged the growing support for state police amidst Nigeria’s escalating security challenges. The state police bill, aiming to transfer police authority from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list, represents a significant step towards decentralizing policing powers in response to diverse local security situations across the country.
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