Afenifere backs Tinubu’s move for state police, urging swift implementation to tackle insecurity and decentralise Nigeria’s policing system

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]tate police support gained renewed momentum on Friday as the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s push to establish decentralised policing across Nigeria.

Also read: President Tinubu declares state police a ‘national imperative’, calls for urgent security overhaul

The group described the move as long overdue and essential for addressing the country’s growing security concerns.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, from Ibadan, Oyo State, Afenifere commended Tinubu for his commitment to launching state police, citing the President’s recent comments in Abuja and Makurdi.

These remarks, Ajayi said, showed determination to move the policy beyond rhetoric and into immediate action.

Afenifere reiterated that the creation of state police is no longer theoretical. According to the group, it has become a matter of urgent national survival, given the widespread insecurity afflicting farmers, traders and entire communities.

The group expressed hope that Tinubu’s resolve would translate into real outcomes, now that many state governors and assemblies are on board.

Quoting the President’s recent speech, Afenifere recalled Tinubu’s words: “We were elected to govern, not to bury people.”

This, the group said, summed up the gravity of the situation in regions like Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa where lives are lost to unchecked violence.

Afenifere also highlighted Tinubu’s view that Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, while foundational to its democracy, is outdated in dealing with modern threats.

His stance was backed by Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who stated that the debate over state police has moved beyond abstract policy. It is now grounded in the urgent fears of everyday Nigerians.

The organisation traced the roots of centralised policing to the establishment of the Nigerian Police Force in 1960.

Since then, policing has remained under federal control, despite several reform efforts. Afenifere recalled past recommendations by committees led by M.D. Yusuf in 2006 and Parry Osayande in 2012, both of which advocated police decentralisation. However, successive governments ignored the reports.

Ajayi further pointed out that the 17 Southern Governors of Nigeria called for state police in 2021 during meetings held in Asaba, Lagos and Enugu. That call, he said, reflected a broad consensus on the need for reform.

With renewed presidential backing and growing support from the states, Afenifere believes the time has finally come for Nigeria to implement state policing.

Also read: Afenifere decries FG’s diversionary tactics in governance

The group insisted that such a move will restore public confidence, protect rural communities and ensure a more effective response to security threats.