The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to introduce state policing, describing the initiative as a timely response to Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
He spoke on Saturday during a dinner and fundraising event held for the Justice Joel Agya Bar Centre Project by the Wukari Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Agya said allowing states to establish their own police forces would improve security because officers would have better knowledge of the communities they serve.
“The state police would employ indigenes to police their localities rather than deploying people who may not be conversant with the local terrain.
“I want to believe that this policy will go a long way in maintaining law and order within local communities.
“What we are concerned about is for the institution to operate within the ambit of the law,” he said.
The chief judge also praised the Wukari NBA Branch for organising its Law Week and encouraged individuals and organisations to support the completion of the branch’s secretariat project through donations.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Wukari NBA Branch, Hassan Saubana, appealed for the appointment of more judicial officers to courts in southern Taraba, saying the shortage of personnel has slowed the administration of justice.
He appreciated the Chief Judge, High Court judges and other guests for attending the programme and expressed confidence that construction of the Justice Joel Agya NBA Secretariat Complex would begin once sufficient funds are secured.
The event concluded the branch’s two-day Law Week celebration, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
