Abiodun raises funding, judicial reform concerns as state police bill advances

Ogun Governor Advocates Comprehensive Reforms for State Police System

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has called for substantial judicial, fiscal, and institutional reforms to support the establishment of a State Police system in Nigeria. He stated that the initiative should extend beyond forming new security structures to encompass the legal and financial frameworks necessary for their sustainability.

Speaking at a town hall meeting hosted by THISDAY and ARISE TV focused on the State Police Bill, Abiodun praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a committed federalist. He noted that the President’s endorsement of decentralized policing represents a significant stride toward true federalism.

“The historical significance of President Tinubu’s political will to decentralize policing will be recognized,” Abiodun stated. He referenced comments from prominent figures, including elder statesman Chief Olusegun Osoba and Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, acknowledging Tinubu’s dedication to federalism.

The governor emphasized the need for the current legislative deliberations to extract answers to key questions regarding the performance challenges faced by the Nigeria Police Force. He raised concerns about how both federal and state police can operate in a complementary manner to enhance public safety.

Abiodun also argued that an effective state police system would likely lead to increased arrests and prosecutions, highlighting the crucial role of a strengthened judiciary to ensure timely trials and justice.

He urged lawmakers to contemplate necessary judicial reforms, including the creation of State Courts of Appeal to efficiently manage disputes, particularly land issues, thereby alleviating pressure on higher appellate courts.

Addressing insecurity in Nigeria, Abiodun called for an examination of root causes, particularly the persistent conflicts between farmers and herders. He suggested that resolving these underlying issues would ease the workload on law enforcement and foster both peace and agricultural productivity.

On funding, he warned that disparities in revenue-generating capacities across states could diminish the effectiveness of the proposed state police. Abiodun cited Ogun State, an industrial hub and one of Nigeria’s rapidly evolving economies, as an example of a state receiving relatively low allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

He advocated for an equitable funding framework that integrates internally generated revenue and federal allocations to ensure that all states can establish and maintain effective police services.

Additionally, the governor recommended the establishment of independent Police Complaints Commissions at both the federal and state levels to enhance accountability and prevent the abuse of power.

Abiodun expressed his support for broadening the composition of the National Police Council to include the leadership of the National Assembly alongside state governors. He also backed fixed tenures for State Commissioners of Police to help insulate them from political pressures.

He concluded by commending THISDAY and ARISE Television for promoting public discourse, stating that such engagement is essential for crafting a State Police law that meets the needs and concerns of Nigerians. Abiodun expressed optimism that ongoing consultations would enable lawmakers to develop a robust legal framework that improves security and bolsters Nigeria’s federal system.

Read Full Article