The debate on state policing in Nigeria has gained fresh momentum amidst intensifying pressure for faster responses to nationwide insecurity. Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole has thrown his weight behind state policing reform, arguing that governors should be empowered as true chief security officers to tackle the insecurity plaguing the country.
Speaking at an Arise Television town hall meeting on Thursday in Abuja, Oshiomhole said the current centralized structure creates a contradiction where governors are expected to protect lives and property, yet lack any direct control over the police forces operating in their states. He argued that the gap between responsibility and authority has made it difficult for citizens to know who should be held accountable when insecurity persists.
The senator also argued that state police would give governors the tools to act, pointing out that the Constitution positions state governors as chief security officers. He emphasized that, currently, governors are hampered by a lack of direct control over the police forces operating in their states. This, he said, leaves them unable to take decisive action to protect the lives and property of their citizens.
Addressing concerns over whether states can finance police structures, Oshiomhole said governments fund areas they consider priorities. He dismissed arguments that state police would be impossible to sustain financially, pointing out that state governments already provide substantial support for security operations but lack the legal authority to manage the personnel receiving such assistance.
He also pointed out that governors often have limited powers when such resources are misused or when security personnel fail to perform their duties. Oshiomhole dismissed concerns that state police could automatically lead to abuse of power by governors, arguing that misuse of security structures is not limited to state authorities.
He also argued that state police should complement the Nigeria Police Force rather than replace it, pointing out that countries operating federal systems have both state and federal policing structures. He said that giving governors greater security powers would also improve accountability, as citizens would clearly know who to hold responsible for security failures.
Oshiomhole's comments come as the Senate considers a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services across Nigeria. The bill has the potential to reform Nigeria's security structure, giving governors the tools and authority they need to tackle insecurity in their states. The debate on state policing is far from over, but Oshiomhole's backing is a significant development that could sway public opinion.
Adams Oshiomhole Background:
Adams Oshiomhole is a veteran politician and Edo North Senator. He served as the Governor of Edo State from 2008 to 2016 and was instrumental in promoting economic growth and development in the state. He has been a vocal advocate for state policing, arguing that it would allow governors to take decisive action to protect the lives and property of their citizens.
Edo State Police: Under Oshiomhole's leadership, Edo State provided substantial support for security operations, but lacked the legal authority to manage the personnel receiving such assistance. He pointed out that state governments already provide substantial support for security operations, but lack the legal authority to manage the personnel receiving such assistance.
Constitutional Amendment Bill: The Senate is currently considering a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police services across Nigeria. The bill has the potential to reform Nigeria's security structure, giving governors the tools and authority they need to tackle insecurity in their states.