Former President Goodluck Jonathan, alongside other notable figures, has thrown his weight behind the establishment of state police in Nigeria, asserting its necessity amid rising security concerns. This endorsement came during a "National Dialogue on the Establishment of State Police," convened by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review in Abuja.
At the dialogue-themed "Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria," Mr. Jonathan emphasized that the debate over state police's necessity had concluded and that the focus should now be on crafting mechanisms to prevent abuse within the system. Drawing from his experience as a former governor, he underscored the importance of effective policing devoid of political influence.
Similarly, former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar stressed the imperative of transparency in state police operations and cautioned against undue political interference. He urged politicians to refrain from exerting influence on police activities if state policing is adopted.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by his deputy Kashim Shettima, echoed support for state policing, highlighting its potential to revolutionize law enforcement and cater to diverse community needs. He called for sustained deliberations beyond the dialogue hall to ensure comprehensive reform.
The Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, urged prompt action, expressing his subjects' discontent over widespread insecurity. He called for the implementation of impactful measures and criticized the disproportionate allocation of police resources, emphasizing the need for equitable distribution.
However, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Ben Okoro, opposed the idea of state police. He advocated for merging the police force with other agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps to enhance effectiveness.
The dialogue witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, and Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam, among others.
