Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Ogun Monarch Backs IGP, Rejects State Police

POSTED ON April 28, 2024 •   POLITICS      BY Samuel O . Adeniyi
Nigeria Police During Parade | Photo Credit: Punch Newspaper

In Ogun State, the Eselu of Iselu kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has voiced his opposition to the establishment of state police in Nigeria, citing concerns about the country's readiness for decentralized policing.

The monarch supported the stance of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, regarding the establishment of state police.

He argued that instead of creating state police forces, the existing police force should undergo reforms.

"The proposition for state police is premature considering the current state of affairs in the country. We need to focus on strengthening our existing law enforcement mechanisms before considering such a significant shift," Oba Akinyemi emphasized.

The IGP, speaking at a national dialogue on state police organized by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, expressed reservations about the establishment of state police.

He cautioned against the potential misuse of state police forces by governors for political gain, which could undermine human rights and security.

Representing the IGP, AIG Ben Okolo reiterated concerns about the feasibility of state police, highlighting the lack of resources at the state level to support such an initiative.

However, Okolo later clarified that his stance on state police was personal and not reflective of the IGP's official position.

Addressing journalists during his birthday ceremony in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, Oba Akinyemi expressed apprehension that state governors might exploit state police to target members of opposition parties.

He emphasized the need to strengthen the existing police force through adequate equipment, funding, and motivation to tackle insecurity and criminal activities effectively.

"The welfare and integrity of our police force must be prioritized. We cannot afford to compromise security by rushing into decentralized policing without addressing existing challenges," Oba Akinyemi stated.

The monarch stressed that Nigeria must prioritize democratic principles before considering the decentralization of policing.

He urged authorities to focus on providing stable electricity and enhancing technological capabilities for law enforcement.

Additionally, Oba Akinyemi called on President Bola Tinubu to engage in dialogue with Yoruba nation agitators and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to foster inclusivity in governance.

He emphasized the importance of transparent communication to convey the government's intentions and promote national unity.

In light of ongoing discussions surrounding state police and security challenges, stakeholders continue to explore strategies to address Nigeria's law enforcement needs while upholding democratic values and safeguarding human rights.

READ ALSO
APC Set to Appoint New National Chairman at Thursday's NEC Meeting
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

A new National Chairman for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be appointed on Thursday...

READ ALSO
Baba-Ahmed Pledges Unity in Labour Party Ahead of 2027 Elections
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 21, 2025 0

The former vice-presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), Datti Baba-Ahmed, has committed to...

READ ALSO
Atiku's Departure Sparks Fresh Hope for PDP Aspirants
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 21, 2025 0

As the race for the 2027 presidential ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) intensifie...

READ ALSO
NNPP, APC Hold Primaries for Jigawa Rep By-Election
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 20, 2025 0

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have held their primary...

READ ALSO
Governor Otti Warns Against Economic Strain from Proposed 31 New States
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 19, 2025 0

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, expressed that the proposal for creating an additional 31 states, as...

READ ALSO
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Set to Resume Duties Following Court Ruling
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 19, 2025 0

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has announced that she will return to...

READ ALSO
Atiku's Move, 'No Threat to Our Dominance - APC
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 16, 2025 0

Following the resignation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the People’s Democratic...

READ ALSO
LASIEC Awards Certificates to Elected Chairmen and Councillors
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 16, 2025 0

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has awarded certificates of return to the...

OUR CHANNELS:

Federal High Court Discharges Female Drug Offender on Compassionate Grounds
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday issued a caution and discharged...


APC Set to Appoint New National Chairman at Thursday's NEC Meeting
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

A new National Chairman for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be appointed on Thursday...


Military Jet Crash at Dhaka School Claims 31 Lives, Sparks Nationwide Outrage
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Grief and anger swept across Bangladesh following the tragic crash of a mi...


UK Sentenced Traffic Robber to 24 Years for Killing Footballer
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

A court in the United Kingdom has sentenced 27-year-old Oguzcan Dereli to 24 years in prison for the...


Nigerian Lawmakers Demand Reversal of U.S. Visa Policy Changes Amid Concerns Over Economic Impact
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 23, 2025 0

The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the U.S. government to reinstate the five-year multipl...


CBN Maintain Interest Rate at 27.5%
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has decided to keep the country's Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 27...


PSC Seeks NDLEA Support for Drug Integrity Tests in Police Recruitment
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 22, 2025 0

To enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s police recruitment, the Police Service Commission has re...


USCIS Unveils New Immigration Fee Schedule Effective July 22, 2025
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revealed an updated schedule of i...


Economic Reforms Slash Nigeria's Debt Servicing from 97% to 50%- Oloyede
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, revealed th...


Lagos Passenger Killed in Motorpark Fight
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 24, 2025 0

Violence broke out in the Alaba Rago area of Iba, Lagos State due to a clash between road transport...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu