State police must align with federalism, citizens’ rights — Governors

Governors of the 36 states have renewed their call for the establishment of state police, stressing that any new policing system must be firmly rooted in the Constitution, respect citizens’ rights and align with Nigeria’s federal structure. The governors made their position known after the meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held in Abuja […]

Governors of the 36 states have renewed their call for the establishment of state police, stressing that any new policing system must be firmly rooted in the Constitution, respect citizens’ rights and align with Nigeria’s federal structure.

The governors made their position known after the meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held in Abuja on Wednesday and early Thursday.

In a communiqué signed by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governors said they received a presentation from the forum’s secretariat and state attorneys-general on ongoing efforts to create a state police system.

They said consultations focused on proposed constitutional amendments and legal frameworks required to establish state police.

“Governors emphasised the need for state police to be constitutionally sound and aligned with federalism and citizens’ rights,” said the communiqué, read by Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun.

The forum noted that discussions with the attorneys-general would help strengthen the states’ collective position on the issue.

The renewed push comes amid growing concerns over insecurity across the country, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and communal clashes, which many stakeholders believe require a more decentralised policing structure.

The governors had earlier, in April, endorsed the development of a state police framework by the NGF Secretariat ahead of constitutional amendments.

The framework outlines governance structures, funding models, recruitment standards, digital systems and oversight mechanisms needed for the operation of state police.

The push for state police received a major boost recently when the House of Representatives approved, for further legislative consideration, bills seeking constitutional amendments to allow the creation of state police and state security councils.