The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbulRasheed Akanbi, has cautioned against the creation of state police, warning that it could lead to civil unrest and destabilize the existing cooperation among different arms of government.
In a statement released on Monday, the traditional ruler expressed concerns about the proposed establishment of state police, asserting that governors are likely to abuse such a system and undermine the federal government’s authority.
“State policing has dire consequences and can lead to civil war by state actors who flout federal government authority,” Oba Akanbi stated.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to refrain from backing such a proposal, as it could undermine the exclusive power of the federal government on security matters.
The Oluwo admonished that instead of assenting to state police, President Tinubu should focus on recruiting more police officers and improving the welfare package of the Nigerian Police Force.
“Policing is on the exclusive legislative list of the federal government,” he emphasized.
“Creating a state police will destabilize the existing tranquility and cooperation existing between and among the Nigerian states’ authorities.”
Oba Akanbi further cautioned, “Most state authorities are known for flaunting the order of the federal government. Exclusive affairs will be abused by governors with autocratic tendencies. Nigeria is not ripe for state policing.”
The traditional ruler implored the Federal Government to prioritize strengthening the Nigerian Police Force by recruiting more personnel and enhancing their welfare package.
