Oyo State’s Governor Critiques Governors’ Push for State Police as Futile and Misdirected Effort
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has openly criticised the efforts of 16 governors who recently presented memoranda to the National Economic Council (NEC) advocating for the establishment of state police. During an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Makinde shared his perspective, questioning the effectiveness of the current approach to tackling the security challenges plaguing the nation through the establishment of state police forces.
With NEC having confirmed the receipt of proposals from 16 state governors, it was revealed that an additional 20 governors had yet to submit their reports. This discrepancy in participation has sparked a broader discussion on the viability and desired approach to implementing state policing in Nigeria, a topic that has seen increased debate amidst rising security concerns.
Makinde explained his decision not to submit a memorandum, clarifying that his stance is not out of arrogance but from a belief that the process will not expediently address the pressing security needs. According to him, the task of considering and implementing state police should fall to the National Assembly, highlighting that it is fundamentally a constitutional issue requiring legislative action both at the federal and state levels.
The governor’s viewpoint underscores a critical debate in Nigeria’s ongoing security dialogue. The call for state police formations has grown louder, driven by deteriorating security conditions across the country. Governors under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner, as well as regional socio-political organisations such as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt Forum, and the Northern Elders’ Forum, have all voiced their support for state policing as a solution to the nation’s security crisis.
Additionally, several states, particularly in the South-West and South-East, have initiated their own regional security outfits, such as Amotekun and Ebube Agu, respectively, alongside other state-led initiatives like the Benue Guards. These groups seek formal recognition and empowerment, including the authorisation to carry firearms, to effectively combat security threats.
Governor Makinde’s remarks have thus cast a spotlight on the ongoing debate regarding the most effective path toward enhancing security across Nigeria, with the spotlight firmly on the legislative processes required to realise the vision of state policing.
Vanguard News
