Olushola Omogbehin
The Nigeria Governors Forum, has submitted its proposal on the establishment of state police to the 10th National Assembly for consideration.
The Chairman of the forum, Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, revealed this on Sunday during a Sallah homage paid to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by some governors at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos.
According to him, state police is part of renewed and coordinated efforts under President Tinubu to address the nation’s persistent security challenges.
Aligning with the current administration, the governors pledged to strengthen coordinated efforts that will tackle insecurity as well as advancing infrastructural development that will improve socio-economic outcomes for citizens,
“On the issue of state police, discussions are ongoing among various security organizations, led by the National Security Adviser, and the NGF has made its contribution. That document will be taken to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for state police.
“We commit to renewing our collaboration with security forces to defeat terrorism, to steadily expand infrastructure opportunities, and to improve the lives of our people. Together, we must see that breaches of security all over the country come to an end.”
Congratulating Tinubu on his successful state visit to the United Kingdom, NGF chairman said:
“While our nation has always enjoyed a good relationship with the United Kingdom, the state visit, the first in 37 years, is bold and significant.
“We are confident that the bilateral agreements presently signed and the new approach on issues of shared interest will strengthen the existing relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and will bring more prosperity to our people.”
Praising President Tinubu for the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which according to him has deepened citizens’ sense of inclusion in national development, AbdulRazaq said:
“Together, we must see that breaches of security all over the country come to an end.”
Some of the governors at the meeting were: Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State; Francis Nwifuru, Ebonyi State; Monday Okpebholo, Edo State; Peter Mbah, Enugu State; Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe State; Umar Namadi, Jigawa State; Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State; Sen. Hope Uzodinma, Imo State; Alex Otti, Abia State; Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State; Douye Diri, Bayelsa State; Hyacinth Alia, Benue State.
Others include: Bassey Otu, Cross River State; Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State; Dikko Umaru Radda, Katsina State; Ahmed Usman Ododo, Kogi State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State; Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa State; Caleb Mufwang, Plateau State; Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State; Agbu Keffas, Taraba State; Mai Mala Buni, Yobe State.
The issue of state police has been a subject of intense debate. As many have argued that it would enhance security by bringing policing closer to communities, others have argued that governors will abuse the system.
