.A socio-political pressure group has lent its voice to the resounding and reverberating calls across the country for the establishment of state police as a means of urgently checkmating the growing insecurity challenges bedevilling Nigeria and Nigerians.
The group; National Democratic Coalition USA respected for its unbiased stance on issues affecting the collective goodwill of all Nigerians irrespective of political, religious or cultural leanings on Tuesday via a press release issued and signed by its Publicity Secretary, David Adenekan, commended former President Goodluck Jonathan, Retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Archbishop John Onaiyekan, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam who have expressed support towards the creation of a state and locally managed police force.
“NADECO USA therefore calls on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun to join other well-meaning Nigerians and organizations by throwing his weight behind the call for the creation of State and local Police which, in the right consciousness of good thinking persons, would greatly checkmate the rising spate of insecurity arising from banditry, Kidnappings and killings that has pervaded the country.
“NADECO USA is greatly concerned about the rising level of insecurity and therefore believes strongly that the clamour for the establishment of state police, would greatly assist the security agencies, especially the police in responding promptly to insecurity challenges.
“The operational response time arising from the need for clearance from the Force Headquarters in Abuja will be addressed. Thereby ensuring quick responses from the state managed police service.
“NADECO USA however, understands there would be some challenges but notes that it is very pertinent that we, as a country move with current trends and evolving best practices in security management, deployment and controls.
“A decentralized and more effective policing system is what we need urgently in our today’s Nigeria and in this regards, it is hoped that the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, a seasoned and professional Police Officer, will join people of goodwill in creating the right policing system for our beloved Nigeria.
“NADECO USA is not in arms against anyone but, will continue to speak up for a better society; a well equipped police force that has the right capacity and capabilities to address security challenges, with modern day technologies.
“NADECO USA remains strongly committed to supporting the creation of State Police. We condemn in totality, the position of some group or individuals in the society who are against the establishment of a state managed police service. Such thoughts and ideas must be discarded. Nigeria as a nation is bigger than any single individual or groups who are self-centered, greedy and despotic.
“Any attempt by anyone seeking to perpetuate himself in position(s) of authority aimed at frustrating this noble agenda must be condemned and resisted at all cost as this country is greater than them or their proxies.
“NADECO USA however, wonders why, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police would be opposed to the establishment of state police, with his remarks at the just concluded dialogue, organised by the House of Representatives, under the headship of the Deputy Speaker.
“It is out of strong fears that the IGP is uncomfortable of losing his powers as police boss, which unfortunately is unnecessary and unreal. Will the establishment of a State Police whittle down his powers and functionality as the number one law enforcement officer in the country? It is not and would not as his functions would remain intact.”
“NADECO USA believes that the approval a state governor must get from the federal police in Abuja to quell any form of strife would now become a thing of the past as every state governor will now take full charge of their states internal security.” The statement reiterates.
“NADECO USA therefore wishes to counsel the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun to allow for a decentralization of powers, especially as it relates to management of the security personnel and apparatus’ in the various states, to enable the governors who are Chief Security Officers of their respective states to perform their constitutional duties to protect life and property.
“The demand for a state police to fix the rising surge of insecurity across the land cannot be overemphasized.” The statement read.
“In other climes, the states have control over the police in their territories with proper checks on its management, operational roles and activities and where necessary, the Federal Police steps in when the situation demands.
“NADECO USA is perturbed and is therefore, asking if this is not another of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s clandestine master game plan to truncate every effort towards achieving the establishment of a state police? A state police that may also whittle down President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Federal control over the Police and the State Governors.” NADECO USA queried.
“The establishment of a state police will expectedly, provide a well secured country for all and to a very large extent, help in addressing the challenges of insecurity that has taken the front stage of discussions.
“The positions of the two former leaders during the national dialogue on state policing held in Abuja as part of discussions on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (alteration) Bill 2023 (Establishment of State Police), sponsored ny the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives and 13 others, are commendable and therefore, must enjoy the support of all including the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
“NADECO USA believes that the Bill aims to enhance public safety and reinforce law enforcement in Nigeria by decentralizing the Police Force and we therefore call on all Nigerians to support the creation/establishment of a State Police.” The statement concluded
ONLY TIME WILL TELL.
Signed:
David Adenekan
NADECO USA
Publicity Secretary.
