{"id":9875,"date":"2025-12-15T10:32:01","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T10:32:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/?p=9875"},"modified":"2025-12-16T04:01:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T04:01:33","slug":"afenifere-ohanaeze-arewa-youths-stand-on-state-police","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/2025\/12\/15\/afenifere-ohanaeze-arewa-youths-stand-on-state-police\/","title":{"rendered":"Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Arewa youths stand on state police"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The call for the establishment of state police received a major boost at the weekend with the backing of major socio-cultural organisations in Nigeria- Afenifere, Ohanaeze and Arewa youths.<\/p>\n

There has been an intense debate on the necessity of establishing state police in Nigeria and the fear of politicisation by state governors.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Reports indicated that the red and green chambers may vote on the bills this week before they are further sent to the state Houses of Assembly.<\/p>\n

In separate interviews with\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Afenifere backs state police, urges FG to identify, prosecute sponsors of terrorism<\/strong><\/p>\n

When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, stated that contrary to the view of those expressing fear, \u201cNigeria is ripe enough for State Police\u201d.<\/p>\n

According to Ajayi, the fear of possible abuse by governors is not strong enough to set up State Police.<\/p>\n

He argued that if governors don\u2019t have the \u201capparatus of security at their command\u201d, they would be unable to effectively discharge their duties as chief security officers of their respective states.<\/p>\n

Ajayi advised that clauses should be inserted in the state police law that would restrain the governors from outright abuse or politicisation of the local police.<\/p>\n

Afenifere also called on the Federal Government to identify financiers of terrorism and prosecute them.<\/p>\n

According to Ajayi, the menace of terrorism has reached an unacceptable level such that \u201cno one can predict where next the monster is going to rear its ugly head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe situation could not have been this bad were those perpetrating it not having the backing of people in high places.<\/p>\n

\u201cConcentrating only on kidnappers arrested in the bush would not bring an end to the scourge.<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout the financing, endorsement, sponsorship and protection of people of means and people in high places, bandits would not be able to sustain their dastardly act for this long.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave kudos to the National Assembly for the call on the Executive Arm of the government not only to name financiers of banditry but also to prosecute them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe step being taken by the lawmakers to also strengthen the law on terrorism is very welcome.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn view of the devastating nature, banditry and terrorism have reached in Nigeria today, prescribing capital punishment for the perpetrators without the option of fine is in order.<\/p>\n

\u201cInnocent lives of thousands have been lost, some families have been wiped out, just as properties running into billions, if not trillions, have been destroyed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, those perpetrating such evil acts deserve no mercy when proven guilty, as they themselves show no mercy on their victims,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

Northern govs may use state police to unseat President Tinubu in 2027 \u2013 Ohanaeze<\/p>\n

On his part, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, factional Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, said that though the establishment of state police is the only way to go due to the surge in killings and other activities of the bloodthirsty assailants, some Northern governors may use the local police against President Tinubu in 2027.<\/p>\n

Isiguzoro noted that without substantive police reforms instituted by the National Assembly, which would establish frameworks to preclude the abuse of power by the 36 state governors, the creation of state police \u201cmight become a vehicle for electoral manipulation.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to him, \u201cThe ongoing attempts by Nigerian governors to circumvent the Supreme Court verdict regarding the autonomy of the 774 local government areas, in collusion with various State Houses of Assembly, epitomise a disconcerting pattern of governance characterised by corruption and a flagrant disregard for constitutional rights.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is imperative to recognise that should appropriate police reforms not be enacted and implemented forthwith, there exists a tangible risk that certain state governors will exploit state police mechanisms to perpetrate electoral malfeasance, potentially allowing them to unseat President Tinubu in 2027\u2014particularly given the Northern Governors\u2019 proclivity towards such stratagems.\u201d<\/p>\n

Isiguzoro lamented that insecurity in Nigeria has \u201crapidly deteriorated, inflicting irrevocable damage to Nigeria\u2019s international reputation\u201d.<\/p>\n

He reiterated the urgent necessity for comprehensive police reforms, accompanied by unwavering vigilance from the National Assembly, to ensure that the establishment of state police serves the interests of law and order, rather than becoming an instrument of political subversion.<\/p>\n

Arewa youths back state police, call for oversight framework to stop abuse by govs<\/strong><\/p>\n

In an exclusive interview with the President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, said the insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and communal clashes in the middle-belt regions required tailored responses that a centralised police force often \u201cstruggles to provide\u201d.<\/p>\n

According to Shettima, establishing state police would allow for localised security measures, which, according to him, would enable law enforcement to respond more effectively to the unique security needs of each region.<\/p>\n

\u201cState police officers, being residents of the communities they serve, would possess intimate knowledge of local dynamics, enabling them to address issues with greater sensitivity and effectiveness.<\/p>\n

\u201cMoreover, a localised approach to policing could significantly enhance trust and cooperation between law enforcement and citizens.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen community members see familiar faces in their police force, individuals who understand their concerns and cultural nuances, they are more likely to engage positively with law enforcement.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis trust is crucial in fostering a collaborative environment where citizens feel empowered to report crimes and cooperate with police investigations, ultimately leading to a more secure society\u201d.<\/p>\n

He further stated that the establishment of state police in Nigeria aligns with global trends in decentralising law enforcement, citing some countries like the United States, Canada, and Germany, where regional policing structures were established to cater for local security needs.<\/p>\n

Shettima said: \u201cThese models demonstrate that localised policing can lead to more effective crime prevention and community engagement. Nigeria, with its diverse regions and unique security challenges, stands to benefit significantly from a policing system that is tailored to its specific contexts.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy adopting a decentralised approach, Nigeria can create a policing framework that not only addresses the immediate security concerns but also promotes regional autonomy and empowerment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis shift would reflect a commitment to democratic governance, where local governments play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and security of their constituents.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite the potential benefits, concerns regarding the potential abuse of power by state governors loom large, particularly given the historical context of political manipulation of state resources to suppress dissent.<\/p>\n

\u201cCritics argue that the politicisation of law enforcement under state governors\u2019 control could lead to the misuse of state police for personal or political gain, undermining the very essence of justice and accountability.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, due to the fear of politicisation of the local police by state governors, Shettima advised that the \u201cestablishment of state police is accompanied by a robust accountability and oversight framework.<\/p>\n

\u201cRegulations must govern recruitment, training, and operational protocols to ensure that state police operate with integrity and professionalism.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn independent oversight body should be established to monitor the activities of state police, providing a check against potential abuses of power and ensuring that law enforcement remains accountable to the communities it serves.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe federal government plays a crucial role in ensuring that state police operate within a defined legal framework. Clear guidelines outlining the powers and limitations of state police are essential to prevent overreach and ensure adherence to democratic principles.<\/p>\n

\u201cProtocols regarding the use of force, community engagement, and the protection of citizens\u2019 rights must be explicitly articulated to safeguard against potential abuses\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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