Governors Renew Calls For State Police At NBA Conference

At the 64th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos on Monday, the governors of Oyo, Ondo, and Rivers states—Seyi Makinde, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Siminalayi Fubara—reaffirmed their support for the creation of state police, emphasizing the need to decentralize Nigeria’s policing system to better address security challenges. However, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, urged caution in adopting this approach.

The discussion took place during a plenary session titled “Is State Police a Solution to National Insecurity?” where the governors, represented by various officials, voiced their perspectives on the critical issue.

Ondo State Governor, Aiyedatiwa, highlighted the importance of state police in tackling the country’s growing security concerns. He argued that a decentralized security system that considers Nigeria’s diverse socio-cultural and environmental realities is essential. Citing Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the government to prioritize the security and welfare of its citizens, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the federal policing system’s shortcomings, which led to the creation of the regional security outfit, Amotekun, in the South-West.

Aiyedatiwa praised his predecessor, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), for his pivotal role in establishing Amotekun, describing him as a visionary leader whose commitment to security continues to inspire. He noted that while Amotekun may not solve all of Nigeria’s security issues, it represents a significant step in the right direction.

Oyo State Governor, Makinde, represented by former Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo (SAN), echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized the urgency of establishing state police, citing the inadequacies of the federal security apparatus, which prompted the formation of Amotekun in the South-West. Oyewo criticized the federal security institutions for their failure to respond effectively to the security threats posed by groups allegedly taking advantage of climate change.

Makinde argued that incidents like the abduction of over 300 Chibok girls and ongoing kidnappings across the country highlight the failures of Nigeria’s current policing and security structure. He dismissed concerns over potential abuses of state police, asserting that no system is entirely free from the risk of misuse, but this should not hinder progress.

Rivers State Governor, Fubara, represented by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Eborama, also pointed out the inefficiencies of the current centralized policing system in combating crime, particularly in states plagued by frequent kidnappings and violence. He questioned whether a single, centrally controlled police force could effectively manage crime across the country and pointed to the United States’ multi-layered policing system as a more effective model.

Jigawa State Governor, Namadi, represented by the state’s Attorney General, Mr. Bello Fanini, agreed with the idea of a multi-layered police system but called for a cautious approach. He stressed the continued importance of federal police due to the complexities of modern crime and underscored the need for collaboration between state and federal law enforcement agencies.