Battle For Control: Southern Governors Push For State Police Authority....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Published on June 25, 2024 at 9:33 AM By Sediq Mutari

Governors from the southern region of Nigeria have reaffirmed their stance on the imperative need to establish state police forces.

The governors, who convened recently in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under the auspices of the Southern Governors Forum, emphasized the necessity for local control over the security architecture in their respective states as the ultimate security authorities.

During a national television interview, the newly appointed chairman of the forum, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, succeeding the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, articulated the unanimous support among the southern governors for state police.

Governor Abiodun argued that federal security personnel deployed across states often lack familiarity with local terrains, languages, and cultures. Their frequent transfers impede their ability to gather effective intelligence on security challenges.

He emphasized that the federal police force faces manpower shortages, whereas state police formations could augment federal efforts by deploying officers who possess local knowledge and community connections.

“We have all spoken in unison in favor of state policing,” Governor Abiodun stated. “We have also embraced regional security outfits, which nearly all regions have established. These outfits collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies, offering intelligence and operational support.”

“We recognize that sustainable development cannot thrive amidst insecurity,” he continued. “As state chief security officers, we contend with a system where Commissioners of Police, appointed by the Inspector General of Police, report solely to the IG. When urgent matters arise, we governors must first obtain clearance from the IG to engage with the CP.”

“We have observed that officers transferred from distant regions like Borno to Lagos or Ogun States face significant challenges of unfamiliar terrain, language barriers, and insufficient local intelligence,” Governor Abiodun explained.

“In contrast, under a state police framework, officers stationed within their communities will navigate these issues more effectively. They will understand the community dynamics, local languages, sentiments, and have insights into criminal activities within their jurisdiction.”

Governor Abiodun also highlighted that other democratic nations from which Nigeria draws inspiration employ diverse policing models that include local and state-level law enforcement structures.

“In essence,” he concluded, “the call for community-oriented policing through state police is both a logical and essential step in enhancing security at both state and national levels.”