Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has advocated for the creation of state police to address Nigeria’s security issues, emphasizing the need for stringent control mechanisms. Speaking at the University of Ilorin’s Department of Political Science, in collaboration with the Institute of Legislative Studies, Bamidele highlighted the necessity of decentralizing security management. He argued that the current centralized police force has been inadequate in tackling the nation’s security problems.
During his lecture titled ‘Constitutional Amendment and Political Dynamics of State Policing in Nigeria,’ Bamidele acknowledged the political complexities involved in establishing state police. He expressed concerns about potential abuses of power by state governors, who might exploit state police forces to suppress political opposition and infringe on human rights. Given Nigeria’s history of political tensions and power misuse, these fears are valid.
To mitigate these risks, Bamidele stressed the importance of implementing robust checks and balances. He suggested the need for stringent oversight and accountability mechanisms, including federal oversight, independent review boards, and clear legislative frameworks, to ensure state police operate within legal boundaries and respect citizens’ rights.
Bamidele also highlighted the economic challenges of establishing state police forces, which require substantial financial investment for training, equipping, and compensating personnel.
He proposed that the Federal Government could support this transition through grants and technical assistance to prevent financial disparities among states.
He emphasized that the path to constitutional amendment and state policing requires broad consensus and collaboration among federal, state, and local governments. Engaging stakeholders, including civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and the general public, is crucial to ensure a transparent and inclusive transition. Public education and awareness campaigns are vital to garnering support for state policing.
Bamidele outlined the potential benefits of state policing, such as enhanced security, improved community relations, and more effective crime prevention. He concluded that while the political dynamics and challenges are significant, they can be overcome with careful planning, robust safeguards, and a commitment to democratic principles, leading to a more responsive, accountable, and effective policing system in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, Dr Adebola Bakare, acting Head of the Political Science Department, explained that the topic of state policing was chosen due to the ongoing debate among Nigerians. He noted that some support state police to enhance the federal policing framework, while others fear misuse by authoritarian governors. The lecture aimed to stimulate further discussion, with plans for a two-day roundtable involving various stakeholders to deliberate on the issue.
