A national dialogue on the creation of state police in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Monday, saw a stark division of opinions among prominent stakeholders, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, President Bola Tinubu, ex-presidents, and other key figures. The event, themed ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria,’ was organized by Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
IGP Egbetokun highlighted potential challenges, including the risk of abuse of power by state governors and jurisdictional conflicts. However, he cautioned against decentralizing policing, emphasizing the need for a centralized approach to maintain national security standards.
He cautioned against potential abuse of power by state governors and jurisdictional conflicts that could arise from decentralizing policing.
In contrast, President Tinubu, represented by his Vice Kashim Shettima, expressed commitment to reforming Nigeria’s policing system for enhanced national and state security. He regarded the dialogue’s outcomes as crucial for guiding government actions towards police reform and achieving a safer nation.
Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam advocated for a decentralized police system, believing it would effectively reduce crime rates. Additionally, he proposed a model where states manage their police forces under a framework ensuring coordination with federal agencies.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan emphasized the necessity of state police in addressing the escalating crime rates, particularly kidnapping. He highlighted the prevalence of kidnapping nationwide and underscored the urgency of empowering states with their police forces.
Former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar introduced a novel perspective, suggesting the involvement of traditional rulers in the state police structure. He emphasized their intimate knowledge of local environments, which could contribute significantly to national security efforts.
Tajudeen emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing the complexities of establishing state police forces in Nigeria. The National Assembly aims to provide a platform for diverse perspectives to be heard and considered. While refraining from adopting a fixed position, the House of Representatives pledges to promote consensus-building among stakeholders. Facilitating discussions reflects the legislature’s commitment to responsive governance and national security.
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