In response to recent discussions among President Bola Tinubu and governors regarding the establishment of state police to combat insecurity, human rights lawyer Monday Ubani has urged against hasty decisions, proposing instead that the creation of state police should be made optional.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Friday, Ubani emphasised the need for thorough deliberation and the involvement of all stakeholders before implementing such a significant change. He noted the recent consideration by the Senate’s amendment committee of the Constitution, highlighting the necessity of amending the constitution to facilitate the creation of state police.
Ubani stressed the importance of establishing clear guidelines and safeguards to prevent potential abuse of power by governors if state police were to be established. He advocated for robust legal frameworks outlining the conditions under which state police could be created and mechanisms to address abuses.
Central to Ubani’s proposal is the notion of making the establishment of state police optional for each state, contingent upon their ability to meet the necessary requirements. He emphasised the importance of adequate funding, staffing, and the provision of resources for effective policing at the state level.
As discussions around the creation of state police continue, Ubani’s call for cautious consideration and comprehensive legal frameworks underscores the complexities and challenges associated with such a significant reform in Nigeria’s security landscape.
