At the ongoing 64th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Lagos, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, alongside Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers states, reiterated their support for the decentralization of the police by advocating for the creation of state police.
Contrarily, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi urged caution in the adoption of state police.
Speaking at a plenary session themed “Is State Police a Solution to National Insecurity?” at the conference, Aiyedatiwa and the governors, represented by their delegates, emphasized the importance of implementing state police.
Aiyedatiwa stressed the significance of state police in addressing the country’s escalating security challenges, emphasizing the need for a security system that considers Nigeria’s diverse socio-cultural landscapes and environmental characteristics.
Referring to Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution, which prioritizes the security and welfare of the people as the government’s primary purpose, Aiyedatiwa highlighted the collective shortcomings in fulfilling this duty.
He pointed out that the inadequacy of the federal policing system led the South-West states to establish Amotekun, a regional security outfit.
Aiyedatiwa commended his predecessor, the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, for his role in creating Amotekun during his tenure as Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, describing him as a visionary leader dedicated to the safety of the populace.
According to Aiyedatiwa, while Amotekun may not solve all national security challenges, it represents a positive initiative towards enhancing security tailored to the unique needs of each state.
Acknowledging the courage of Amotekun operatives in confronting criminal elements, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of empowering states to develop customized security approaches.
Represented by Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo (SAN), Governor Makinde, the Deputy Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, reiterated the urgency of establishing state police in light of the prevailing insecurity in the country.
He cited the inadequacies of central policing as the catalyst for the creation of Amotekun in South-West states.
Governor Fubara of Rivers, represented by Dagogo Eborama, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, highlighted the inefficiencies in addressing crimes nationwide, particularly in states grappling with frequent kidnappings and violence.
Fubara advocated for a multi-layered policing system, drawing inspiration from the United States’ successful model, which allows for a more robust response to criminal activities.
While supporting the implementation of a multi-layered police system, Governor Namadi of Jigawa State, represented by Mr. Bello Fanini, the state’s Attorney General, emphasized cautious execution to ensure synergy between state and federal law enforcement agencies.