ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Sixteen state governors have voiced their support for establishing state police.
They have also submitted reports to the National Economic Council (NEC), recommending constitutional changes to facilitate this initiative.
The reports were presented at the 140th NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
The Special Adviser to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement titled- NEC endorses take-off of $617M i-DICE programme across states.
According to Nkwocha, the NEC is still awaiting reports from 20 states but expressed confidence that others would also lend their support.
NEC, established under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, comprises the 36 state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank, and other government officials.
Chaired by the Vice President, NEC meets monthly to advise the President on economic affairs and coordinate economic planning efforts across all levels of government.
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During Thursday’s NEC meeting, the Secretary to NEC, Mr Nebeolisa Anako, presented submissions by states on the state policing initiative. Reports have been received from 16 states supporting the establishment of state police, while 20 states are yet to submit their reports.
All states expressed their support for this initiative and recommended changes in the constitution and current policing structure to enable its operationalization.
However, no specific details about the supporting states were provided, with Nkwocha affirming that the total number would be presented at the next NEC meeting as the compilation is ongoing.
This development follows the resolution of the Federal and state governments on February 16, 2024, to develop modalities for creating state police amidst the country’s security challenges.
Nigeria has experienced increased incidents of abductions, bandit attacks, and other violent crimes, underscoring the need for a multi-level policing system, including state police.
Recent incidents include the abduction of 495 individuals in Kaduna, Sokoto, and Borno states, as well as the kidnapping of over 280 pupils and teachers in Kaduna State.
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To address these security challenges, President Bola Tinubu and the 36 state governors agreed to recruit forest rangers and invest in training to secure forests and borders.
The possibility of establishing state police was also discussed, with ongoing deliberations between the federal and state governments.
A bill proposing the creation of state police passed the second reading at the House of Representatives on February 20, 2024.
Titled ‘A bill for an Act to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for the establishment of State Police and related matters,’ the legislation garnered majority support in the Green Chamber.
While the Presidency has endorsed the creation of state police and forest guards, it emphasises that governors will determine the success of these initiatives.
Additionally, efforts are underway to reopen the Nigeria-Niger border to curb the influx of arms from conflict zones like Libya.
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The Nigeria Governors’ Forum also emphasised the importance of incorporating state policing as a crucial amendment in the ongoing constitutional review process to address gaps in the national security framework.
The debate surrounding state police reflects divergent views, with proponents advocating for localised law enforcement to enhance security, while opponents express concerns about potential abuse of power and implications for national unity.
Punch