Federal Government and State Governors to decide on state police creation next week

The Federal Government and state governors are set to make decisions next week on the creation of state police in Nigeria, following deliberations and submissions from 33 states.

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ext week, the Federal Government of Nigeria and state governors are expected to take significant decisions regarding the proposed creation of state police.

This development follows deliberations at the National Economic Council (NEC), where the Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, informed reporters on Thursday that the council had set a one-week deadline for three states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to submit their positions on the matter.

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Diri explained that the council had given Adamawa, Kebbi, Kwara, and the FCT a one-week extension to present their positions on the establishment of state police.

While 33 states have already submitted their reports, these four regions had yet to do so, prompting the NEC to request a final round of submissions. Diri stated that a decision would be reached in the next NEC meeting based on the updated reports.

This move is part of ongoing discussions initiated earlier in 2024, when the Federal Government, in collaboration with the 36 states, began deliberating the creation of state police.

The idea of establishing state police emerged in response to growing insecurity and other national challenges, including food price hikes and economic difficulties.

The Federal Government and state authorities have been engaged in talks since February 2024, with expectations that the creation of state police will address regional security concerns.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that the process is still in its early stages, with further deliberations needed.

He emphasized that the establishment of state police would mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s policing system, which has been largely centralized under the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).

The discussions surrounding state police gained further momentum when the House of Representatives announced that it was considering a bill to amend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution to enable the creation of state police.

This bill would empower state governments to establish their own police forces and manage local security concerns more effectively.

While proponents of state police argue that it would improve law enforcement and help address Nigeria’s diverse security challenges by localizing control, opponents fear potential misuse of power by state governments, especially in regions with strong political control.

There are concerns that state police could lead to the escalation of regional tensions and undermine national unity.

Source: Read more at iretura.com

Quadri Olaitan