State police: Mbah presses for financial autonomy, investment in technology

Governor Mbah Advocates for State Police Financial Autonomy and Modern Security Investments

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has called for financial autonomy and substantial investment in modern infrastructure for state police services. He emphasized that any legal framework for establishing state police should consider national standards, local capabilities, and decision-making processes.

Mbah made his remarks during a town hall meeting titled “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security,” hosted by Arise News in Abuja on Thursday.

He underscored the importance of adequate funding for state police services, linking it to the efficacy of security operations at the subnational level. Mbah stated, “The importance of funding the state police system effectively cannot be overemphasized,” adding that establishing a State Police Service Commission with a first-line charge on the Consolidated Revenue Fund is necessary.

Mbah noted that other state institutions, such as the judiciary and legislature, already enjoy similar funding privileges. “The key thing is providing enough funding to sustain the state policing system,” he said.

Reflecting on his experience in Enugu State, Mbah recounted that when he took office in 2023, the state faced significant security challenges, including a decline in nightlife and restrictions on movement. Areas of the capital were barricaded, and students were unable to take final-year examinations due to illegal sit-at-home orders.

“Recognizing the need to address security challenges was essential to achieving our objectives of eradicating poverty and promoting economic growth,” he said. He elaborated on the need for investments in technology, including a Safe City Surveillance System equipped with AI-enabled CCTV and both static and mobile cameras, highlighting the associated costs.

Mbah also introduced the Distress Response Squad (DRS) to enhance rapid responses to security issues. “Matters of security are measured in minutes. You must be in a position to act swiftly,” he explained.

He referred to Enugu’s experience as instrumental in reducing violent crime by over 90 percent, affirming that adequate funding and technology investments were pivotal.

Additionally, Mbah advocated for a unified communication system among security agencies, asserting that a Command and Control Centre that integrates the police, military, and Department of State Services is vital for effective coordination.

The Governor called for constitutional provisions that guarantee the establishment of state police while allowing for legislative amendments in the future. “In amending the Constitution, we must ensure it is not verbose. There should be provisions for reforming the system as needed,” he said.

Mbah also addressed concerns regarding the potential abuse of state police powers by governors. He emphasized that governors serve limited terms and should retain sufficient operational authority to meet performance targets. “Nobody is a governor forever. We want to ensure governors have the control necessary to achieve required outcomes,” he concluded.

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