Worried about the country’s security concerns, 16 state governors have supported the creation of state police.
The National Economic Council (NEC) revealed this on Thursday in a report presented to the Council during its 140th meeting, which was held digitally and headed by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, informed State House Correspondents virtually following the meeting, stating that 20 state governors and the FCT have still to submit their proposals out of 36 states.
But he didn’t mention the states.
The governors that submitted letters also urged for a review of Nigeria’s Constitution.
Meanwhile, the NEC has received the abbreviated report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control.
The committee detected sites of oil leakage in the oil industry while investigating cases of breaches.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state chairs a commission that advocates for political will to accomplish change and reform.
Quest for State Police
As Nigeria faces escalating security threats such as kidnapping and banditry, there has been a call for state police.
On February 12, governors elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform reiterated their support for state policing as a remedy to the country’s deteriorating security situation, saying that Nigeria is “almost on the road to Venezuela”.
Furthermore, regional sociopolitical organisations including as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt Forum, and the Northern Elders’ Forum have frequently advocated for state police to address the nation’s growing security concerns.
States in the South-West geopolitical zone have already formed the Amotekun, while their counterparts in the South-East have established the Ebube Agu security group. The Benue Guards have also been functioning in Benue State in the North Central, and states such as Katsina, Zamfara, and other bandit-prone sub-nationals have formed similar state-established forces.
However, because they lack federal government support, these organisations have not been as effective as expected. States continue to urge that Amotekun, Ebube Agu, and others be granted permission to use assault rifles such as AK-47s to face dangerous gun-toting marauders.