The call for state police in Nigeria has gained significant momentum, with major socio-cultural organizations, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze, and Arewa youths, throwing their weight behind the initiative. This development comes as the Nigerian government considers the establishment of state police to address the country’s security challenges.
For decades, the debate on state police has been ongoing, with proponents arguing that it would help to effectively police the country’s vast and diverse population. However, others have raised concerns about the potential for politicization by state governors. Recently, President Bola Tinubu met with state governors to discuss the possibility of setting up state police, sparking both optimism and apprehension among stakeholders.
The State Police Constitution Alteration Bill is currently before the Senate and House of Representatives, and lawmakers are expected to vote on it soon. If passed, the bill would pave the way for the creation of state police, which would require the approval of state Houses of Assembly.
Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, has expressed support for state police, arguing that Nigeria is ripe for the initiative. The organization’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, suggested that clauses should be inserted in the state police law to prevent governors from abusing their powers. Afenifere also called on the federal government to identify and prosecute sponsors of terrorism, which has reached alarming levels in the country.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, a socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people, has also backed the creation of state police. However, its factional Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, warned that some Northern governors might use state police to undermine President Tinubu’s administration in 2027. Isiguzoro emphasized the need for comprehensive police reforms to prevent the abuse of power by state governors.
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has also endorsed the establishment of state police, citing the need for localized security measures to address the unique challenges in different regions. The organization’s President, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, argued that state police would enable law enforcement to respond more effectively to local security needs and foster trust between citizens and the police. Yerima suggested that a robust accountability and oversight framework should be established to prevent the politicization of state police by governors.
The creation of state police in Nigeria has significant implications for the country’s security and governance. As the debate continues, it is essential to address the concerns of various stakeholders and ensure that the initiative is implemented in a manner that promotes accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. With the National Assembly set to vote on the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill, the fate of the initiative hangs in the balance, and its outcome will likely shape the country’s security landscape for years to come.
