The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere has lauded President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the establishment of state police in Nigeria.
In a statement released in Ibadan by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the group emphasized that Nigeria is long overdue for a decentralized policing structure.
“We are aware that President Tinubu is committed to seeing state police take off as soon as possible, based on his statements and actions so far,” Ajayi said.
He pointed to Tinubu’s recent speeches in Makurdi and Abuja as evidence of his resolve, particularly his stance on defending democracy, freedom, and prosperity, and his condemnation of ongoing violence in states like Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa.
“The value of human life is greater than that of a cow… We were elected to govern, not to bury people,” Tinubu had remarked.
Ajayi also cited the President’s remarks during the Constitution Review Legislative Dialogue on National Security in Abuja, where Tinubu acknowledged the limitations of the 1999 Constitution in dealing with current security realities.
Echoing this sentiment, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru said the demand for state police is no longer theoretical but a response to widespread fear and insecurity:
“Farmers fear going to their fields, traders face threats in transit, and communities resort to self-help.”
Afenifere expressed hope that the momentum for state police would grow stronger, noting increasing support from state governors and state assemblies.
Ajayi traced the origins of Nigeria’s centralized police system to the formation of the Nigerian Police Force in 1960 and highlighted past reform efforts, including the M.D. Yusuf Presidential Committee on Police Reform (2006), Parry Osayande Panel (2012).
Despite both panels recommending decentralization, previous governments failed to act.
Ajayi also recalled the landmark 2021 Southern Governors’ Forum, where leaders from 17 southern states unanimously called for state police in meetings held in Asaba, Lagos, and Enugu.
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