Senate President Godswill Akpabio has voiced his support for the establishment of state police across Nigeria, emphasizing the need for these forces to remain impartial and independent from political, tribal, and religious influences.
Speaking at a national policy dialogue on state policing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review in Abuja, Akpabio highlighted the importance of creating a security framework that upholds the rights of all Nigerians.
“The concept of state police has been a topic of debate for many years. It is a complex issue with no easy answers. But today, courtesy of the House of Representatives, we have the opportunity to engage in a national dialogue, to listen to the voices of our fellow citizens, and to forge a path towards a more secure Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
He stressed the need to ensure that state police departments operate independently and transparently, serving the people without bias. “We must build a security architecture that is robust, transparent, and accountable,” he emphasized.
Akpabio cautioned against the misuse of state police powers for personal or political gain. “Let us ensure that political powers do not manipulate the state police to silence dissent or target their enemies. Let us build a system that is fair, just, and equitable for all,” he added.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, echoed Akpabio’s sentiments, pointing out the urgent need for a multi-layered policing approach in light of increasing security challenges.
“Since 2016, estimates suggest that over ₦5bn have been paid in ransoms to kidnappers, a figure that starkly exposes the alarming growth of this criminal enterprise in the country,” Kalu said. “These statistics underscore the urgent need for a multi-layered policing approach that prioritizes local security and enables a more responsive policing environment in Nigeria.”
Other prominent figures present at the event, including former military Head of State Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, and Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Cardinal John Onaiyekan, expressed their support for the establishment of state police forces while emphasizing the importance of maintaining their neutrality.
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In his keynote address, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, emphasized the need for any initiatives regarding state policing to adhere to the constitution and align with national security goals.
“Creating state policing systems requires more than just legislative action; it requires a national consensus,” Tajudeen said. “As diverse and complex as our great country is, so too are the opinions and perspectives on how best to manage and implement local policing.”
Stakeholders at the event collectively supported the idea of state police but cautioned against potential misuse by state governors for political purposes.
