Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Arewa youths take stand on state police
The call for the establishment of state police received a major boost at the weekend with the backing of major socio-cultural organizations in Nigeria- Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Arewa youths.
reports that for decades, there has been an intense debate on the necessity of establishing state police in Nigeria and the fear of politicization by state governors.
On February 15, 2024, President Bola Tinubu met with state governors in Abuja, where the possibility of setting up the state police was extensively discussed.
While the discussion brought a sigh of relief to some Nigerians, some stakeholders raised concerns that the country is not fit to have state police yet, expressing fear of abuse by state governors.
While some argued that the centralised Nigeria Police remains overstretched and ill-equipped to effectively police 230 million people across complex terrains, others said the governors may misuse the local police forces especially for political intimidation.
Societywatch reports that the State Police Constitution Alteration Bill currently on the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is among the 44 harmonised bills now ready for consideration and voting by the two chambers.
SOCIETYWATCH Reports indicated that the red and green chambers may vote on the bills this week before it is further sent to state Houses of Assembly.
In separate interviews with SOCIETY WATCH Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Arewa youths backed the creation of state police, expressing optimism that local police may help in quelling the decade-long security challenges.
Afenifere backs state police, urges FG to identify, prosecute sponsors of terrorism
When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi stated that contrary to the view of those expressing fear, “Nigeria is ripe enough for State Police”.
According to Ajayi, the fear of possible abuse by governors is not strong enough not to set up State Police.
