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Former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Simon Okeke, has thrown his weight behind the establishment of state police in Nigeria, describing it as a critical step toward improving security across the country.
Speaking during an interview with Arise News on Wednesday, Okeke highlighted the advantages of state policing while addressing concerns about its potential misuse by state governors.
Okeke, has expressed support for the establishment of state policing in Nigeria, emphasising its potential to enhance security while addressing concerns about possible misuse, benefits and challenges associated with state policing.
“There is no gainsaying that state police would assure better safety of life and property for this country,” he stated. “Anything outside that is just a waste of time.”
Addressing concerns over state governors potentially abusing the system for personal or political gain, Okeke acknowledged the risks but noted the importance of regulatory oversight.
“Any system that is adopted, if not properly controlled, would be abused. State police cannot be different, there is no doubt at all. There are arguments that various governments would use it for territorial expansion.
“This is just one out of many advantages, and I believe there would be checks and balances provided by the National Assembly,” he said.
Okeke clarified that introducing state policing does not mean scrapping federal policing entirely. “When we say state police, we are not saying there would be no federal police entirely.
“No, there would be federal police for interstate matters and crimes handled by them,” he explained.
He added that the National Assembly would play a critical role in ensuring proper regulation and oversight. “The National Assembly would provide a set of dos and don’ts that should be avoided when the rules are put in place. I believe with that, the fear would be much reduced, and there would be sanity.”
When asked whether governors might exploit state police to target their political opponents, Okeke admitted the possibility but downplayed its likelihood. “It is possible, but it is very rare. Each party should know the boundaries not to be crossed, and if you do, you would be penalized,” he said.
Regarding the funding of state policing, Okeke argued that states are already shouldering significant financial responsibilities for the police and should be officially empowered to do so.
“As of today, the federal government cannot fund police appropriately. And hence, the governors, as of now, are spending so much of their funds on the police.
“The states are funding the police, even the kits and ammunition. Why not allow them to do it officially rather than as you wish? I think that is a better thing to do,” he said.
Boluwatife Enome
The post Simon Okeke: State Police Will Improve Security, But Proper Checks and Balances Must Be In Place To Prevent Abuse appeared first on Arise News.
