In a bid to address Nigeria’s pressing security concerns, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasized the necessity of establishing state police forces.
During a recent meeting with the association of Clerks of State Houses of Assembly, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu, representing Abbas, underscored the inadequacy of the current policing system in providing security for over 200 million Nigerians.
Abbas highlighted the staggering disparity between the number of policemen, approximately 400,000, and the vast population they are tasked to safeguard.
He stressed that this ratio falls short of international best practices and fails to ensure comprehensive security coverage across the nation.
Speaking passionately about the need for state police, Abbas emphasized the importance of officers being familiar with the local terrain they police.
He illustrated the shortcomings of deploying officers who lack knowledge of the community they serve, citing examples of officers being sent to regions where they struggle due to cultural and geographical differences.
The Speaker drew parallels between the establishment of state police and recent constitutional amendments, such as those concerning railway and power sectors.
He highlighted the significance of devolving certain powers to the states to enhance governance and address specific regional needs.
Furthermore, Abbas emphasized the importance of collaboration between the national parliament and state assemblies in achieving meaningful constitutional reforms.
He stressed that synergy between the two bodies is essential for driving impactful legislative changes that address the evolving needs of the Nigerian people.
The proposal for state police is not without its challenges. Abbas acknowledged concerns about maintaining national unity and the potential proliferation of vigilante groups if not carefully managed.
However, he emphasized that with proper streamlining and adherence to core policing principles, state police forces could effectively complement federal law enforcement efforts without compromising national integration.
In advocating for state police, Abbas echoed the sentiments of many Nigerians who have long called for a decentralized approach to law enforcement.
The current centralized policing system, he argued, has proven inadequate in effectively addressing the diverse security challenges facing different regions of the country.
The Speaker’s stance on state police comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria, as the nation grapples with escalating security threats ranging from insurgency to communal clashes and banditry.
The establishment of state police forces could represent a significant step towards enhancing internal security and fostering greater trust and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities.
As the debate on state police continues to gain momentum, it is imperative for policymakers at both the national and state levels to engage in constructive dialogue and forge consensus on the way forward.
With collaborative efforts and a commitment to finding common ground, Nigeria can take decisive steps towards building a more secure and resilient nation for all its citizens.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
