Akpabio warns governors against abusing state police

Senate President Warns Governors Against Misuse of State Police

Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged Nigerian governors on Tuesday to exercise caution with the anticipated establishment of state police. His remarks came during plenary as the National Assembly advances legislation aimed at addressing the country’s security challenges.

Earlier that day, President Bola Tinubu submitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the National Assembly, seeking the establishment of state police.

The Senate has scheduled a vote on the state police bill for Wednesday.

Akpabio emphasized the need for governors to respect the purpose of state police, noting that many individuals wish to live without fear of potential misuse. “Even the current governors will one day leave office; they should not be afraid of the state police they created,” he said.

He highlighted that since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the country has lacked the resolve to decentralize policing. “This is the first time we’ll do it,” Akpabio stated, adding that the process would be carried out in two phases. The initial phase involves constitutional amendments, followed by the introduction of an Act of Parliament designed to establish safeguards against potential abuses.

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