The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed reservations over the Federal Government's proposed establishment of state police, arguing that while security reform is necessary, the current administration must first address Nigeria's worsening security challenges and strengthen existing policing institutions before creating a new law enforcement structure.
The party said the proposal carries significant constitutional, political and security implications that require broad national consensus rather than a hurried legislative process.
In a statement, the opposition party argued that the Federal Government's handling of insecurity has not inspired sufficient public confidence to support a major restructuring of Nigeria's policing architecture.
According to the PDP, the administration should prioritize improving the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies before introducing state-controlled police formations.
"The government's record on security does not inspire the confidence required to implement a new policing structure. The immediate priority should be tackling insecurity and strengthening existing law enforcement institutions," the party stated.
The PDP further maintained that constitutional reforms of such magnitude should be based on extensive consultations with political stakeholders, civil society groups, traditional institutions and the Nigerian public.
It warned that major governance reforms must be driven by consensus, transparency and good governance principles to ensure national acceptance.
The renewed debate follows proposals that would grant state governors greater authority over policing within their jurisdictions.
Under the proposed framework, governors would have powers to appoint State Police Commissioners, subject to confirmation by their respective State Houses of Assembly.
The proposal also seeks to empower governors to issue lawful policy directives relating to public safety while encouraging stronger community policing initiatives and expanding law enforcement presence across the country.
Supporters argue that decentralizing policing would enable quicker responses to crime and improve intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.
Speaking during a televised interview, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Marvel Oji strongly supported the creation of state police, describing the proposal as a long-overdue reform.
Oji noted that he had advocated for state policing during his years in active service, arguing that the country's growing security challenges have demonstrated the limitations of a highly centralized police system.
"I am very excited that this government has finally taken the bull by the horns by pursuing the establishment of state police," he said.
According to him, many security experts had predicted years ago that Nigeria would eventually need decentralized policing due to increasing criminality, terrorism and other emerging security threats.
The retired police chief argued that state police would possess a significant operational advantage because officers recruited locally understand their communities, languages and terrain better than centrally deployed personnel.
He said local officers would also have stronger intelligence networks capable of identifying criminal elements operating within forests, rural communities and urban neighborhoods.
"Those who live within the communities know the terrain. They understand the people, the local intelligence and the environment. It will become much more difficult for terrorists and criminal groups to operate freely if local policing structures are properly established," Oji explained.
Responding to questions about whether state police could achieve what the Nigeria Police Force currently cannot, Oji argued that decentralized policing would improve operational efficiency and response times.
He maintained that local command structures would allow security agencies to react more quickly to emergencies while improving collaboration between communities and law enforcement.
According to him, the increasing complexity of modern security threats requires policing systems that are flexible, community-based and intelligence-driven.
Despite growing support from some security experts, legal analysts and political stakeholders continue to debate the constitutional safeguards needed to prevent abuse of state police by political office holders.
Critics have expressed concerns that governors could potentially use state-controlled police formations for political purposes unless strong oversight mechanisms are built into the proposed legislation.
Supporters, however, argue that constitutional safeguards, independent oversight bodies and legislative supervision can prevent abuse while significantly improving public safety.
As discussions continue, lawmakers, security professionals, civil society organisations and political parties are expected to scrutinize the legal, constitutional and operational implications of the proposed reform before any final legislation is enacted.
The debate over state police is likely to remain one of Nigeria's most significant governance and security discussions, with advocates describing it as a necessary response to evolving security challenges, while critics insist that institutional reforms must be accompanied by strong accountability measures and broad national consensus.
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