Why State Police is imperative

The major fear of the opponents of the idea is that it may be misused by State Governors. Allusions are usually made by people who belong to this group,  to the colonial era and the First Republic when the Regional governments used the Native Authority Police institutions to hound or persecute their political opponents. It has also been argued by some, that State governors will turn State Police to election rigging tools.

Another argument against State police is that it may lead to the dismemberment or disintergration of the country. It is being argued that State police may turn out to be ethnic or regional militias with official backings. Consequently, it may accentuate centrifugal tendencies and become a potent weapon in the hands of people who are hellbent on dividing the country.We understand that this is a major reason why the Northern Governors Forum is opposed to the idea

On the other-hand, proponents of State police contend that it will enhance security. They contend that one of the reasons why the Nigerian Police Force is very ineffective is because most of its personnel operate in areas where they are strangers. As a result, information gathering about activities of criminals has been perennially very poor. State police personnel, they contend, will be made up of locals who understand their environments very well and will also easily win and retain the trust and support of the people.

Another cogent point in favour of State police is that Nigeria is a Federal State. Unfortunately, we have an absurd situation whereby State governors are constitutionally recognised as the Chief Security Officers of their States but they have no control over the instrument of law enforcement.To correct this abnormally, it is contended that States should be allowed to set-up their own law enforcement agencies.

Having critically examined the pros and cons of State Police, we at ionigeria.com throw our weight behind the establishment of State Police. Our decision is based on the fact that the benefits that will accrue to the nation far outweighs the disadvantages.

To assuage the fears of the opponents, the roll of state police has to be clearly stated. They must be used to enforce state laws, wherever and whenever, they are perceived to be exceeding their jurisdiction, the Federal police can be called in and whenever the Federal Police is called into an issue, the local police must withdraw.

It is also pertinent to mention that the Committee of former Inspectors General of Police have come out to oppose the establishment of State Police. We are not surprised. Their position as far as we are concerned is selfish and self serving. If they were effective, the security situation in the country would not be as bad as it is today. Most of them are multi-billionaires because monies budgeted for the institution, they presided over end in their pockets.

It is also important to mention that States where security situation seems to be better are those where the State governments are already massively funding the Federal Police.They should therefore be allowed to take more active control of the security apparatus in their states