In a concerted effort to tackle Nigeria's escalating security issues, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, has reiterated the urgent need for the establishment of state police forces.
Addressing stakeholders at the Legislative Dialogue on Nigeria’s Security Architecture in Abuja, Ogundoyin highlighted the limitations of the current centralized policing system in effectively addressing localized security threats. He emphasized that the creation of state police is not merely a political proposition but a strategic necessity to enhance community policing and ensure the safety of citizens across the nation.
The Conference of Speakers, representing all 36 state Houses of Assembly, has expressed unanimous support for this initiative. They urge the National Assembly and the Presidency to prioritize the inclusion of state police in the ongoing constitutional review process.
Ogundoyin also advocated for the devolution of powers, suggesting that certain responsibilities currently held by the federal government be transferred to state governments. This shift would empower states to legislate on critical areas such as security, thereby promoting more effective governance and accountability at the local level.
The call for state police aligns with broader efforts to reform Nigeria's security architecture, ensuring that law enforcement is more responsive to the unique needs of each state. By adopting a decentralized approach, the nation can better address the diverse security challenges it faces, from insurgency in the Northeast to banditry and kidnappings in other regions.
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