All 36 states have submitted their positions on creating state police, signaling a move toward decentralized law enforcement. Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, confirmed that most states support establishing state-controlled police forces. This alignment came during a recent National Economic Council (NEC) meeting. This push for reform comes as part of the broader effort to address rising security challenges in the country.
States Agree on Need for State Police
Governor Uba Sani revealed that all states, except the FCT, support state police due to increasing security challenges. He highlighted ungoverned spaces and insufficient law enforcement as key concerns, with the central police force overwhelmed. The consensus for state police emerged from these regional security issues and the inability of the federal police to provide adequate coverage.
Reasons Behind the Push for State Police
State police proponents argue that local control would enable more efficient, tailored responses to unique security challenges in states. Governor Sani highlighted the shortage of police and security forces, creating conditions where criminal activity thrives. The lack of adequate government presence in some areas has contributed to an untenable security situation across states.
Delayed Final Decision Until January
Despite the widespread support for state police, final discussions on the matter have been deferred until January 2025. The NEC decided to step back from making a decision until a detailed report from the secretariat is presented. The report will guide further deliberations, with the aim of finalizing the proposals after further consultations with stakeholders.
Legislative and Stakeholder Engagement
The ongoing discussions on state police are not only confined to the executive arm of government. The House of Representatives proposed a bill to amend Nigeria’s Constitution for establishing state police. Lawmakers will review the bill soon. The bill aims to provide a legal framework for states to manage their police forces. Further engagements with various stakeholders, including security agencies and local governments, are also planned.
Concerns Over Abuse of Power
While there is significant support for state police, there are concerns about the potential for misuse of power. Critics argue that in states with strong political control, state police forces could be used to suppress opposition or exacerbate regional tensions. These concerns underscore the need for robust oversight and regulatory frameworks to ensure that the establishment of state police does not undermine national unity or lead to abuses of power.
Next Steps in the State Police Debate
As the debate on state police progresses, the next major step will be the presentation of the secretariat’s report in January. This will likely lead to further discussions and, eventually, constitutional amendments. The federal government and state governors continue to explore how best to implement state police while balancing local needs with national cohesion.
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