Bode George Calls for Immediate Implementation of State Police in Nigeria
Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in South-West Nigeria, has called for the urgent implementation of state police to address the country’s growing insecurity.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, George emphasized the necessity of state police as a solution to the escalating insurgency.
George referred to the recommendations from a constitutional conference committee under former President Jonathan, which highlighted the immediate need for state police.
He explained that unlike traditional wars with clear enemies, the current insurgency involves individuals who blend in during the day and become threats at night. This makes it difficult to identify and manage the threat effectively.
According to George, local community members are best suited to police their areas because they understand their culture, the do’s and don’ts, and the rules of their communities.
This local knowledge would enable them to manage security issues more effectively within their communities.
Over the years, insecurity has worsened in Nigeria, leading to increased support from political and religious leaders for the establishment of state police.
The urgency of this issue has been underscored by numerous incidents of violence and insurgency across the country.
In mid-February, President Bola Tinubu and the governors of Nigeria’s 36 states agreed on the need for state police as a measure to curb the escalating security challenges. This consensus marked a significant step towards addressing the country’s insecurity.
A month later, 16 governors submitted their reports to the National Economic Council (NEC), expressing their support for the creation of state police and the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to allow for its establishment.
The decisions from the remaining 20 governors are still awaited, highlighting the ongoing deliberations on this critical issue.
