Godswill Akpabio, the president of the Senate, endorsed the establishment of state police across the nation on Monday.
At a national policy conversation on state policing in Abuja, which was organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, Akpabio voiced his support.
In keeping with the goal of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to make Nigeria secure for everyone, Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, promised that the 10th Assembly is prepared to take on the challenges of insecurity head-on.
“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. Let us seize this opportunity with open hearts and open minds. Let us listen to one another, learn from one another, and work together to find a common ground.
“President Tinubu did not only come to steady the ship of state, he came to adjust the sails and steer the ship of state through rough and fair weather, to the right direction and the right destination. He is known for rearranging the sails, and this is exactly what he has done in agreeing that modalities should be worked out for us to have state police,” he added.
“In working out modalities for the state police and the security of our nation, we must not forget that security is not a privilege, but a fundamental right of every Nigerian. It is our duty to ensure that this right is upheld, that justice is served, and that the rule of law prevails.
“We must build a security architecture that is robust, transparent, and accountable. If we are to set up state police departments, we must ensure that they are free from the shackles of politics, religious extremism, tribalism, and ethnicism. We must empower them to serve and protect, without fear or favour.”
He, however urged stakeholders that state police must not be used for show of superiority, saying, “Let us never forget that the power of the state police should never be used as a tool of oppression or witch-hunting.
“Let us ensure that political powers do not manipulate the state police to silence dissent or target their enemies. Let us ensure that the influential do not exert undue influence over the state police and that justice is blind to wealth, power, politics, or status. Let us build a system that is fair, just, and equitable for all,” he added.
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