The 2024 edition of the NBA AGC held at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, was well attended by dignitaries from both the public and private sectors of the country.

Speaking on the topic at the AGC Tagged : “Is State Police a Solution to Insecurity” governors of Oyo State, River State and Jigawa states some of who were represented by their state’s Attorney Generals made very insightful presentation on the topic.

On his part, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo pledged strong support for the establishment of state policing in Nigeria.

Makinde was represented by a former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of the state, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo (SAN).

The governor challenged the long-held myths surrounding the country’s centralised police system.

Makinde emphasised the urgency of adopting state policing, to tackle the rising insecurity across the nation
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He recalled the Southwest governors’ resolve to explore constitutional frameworks, that would enhance the creation of state policing.

He expressed concerns toward the concept of community policing, which was being promoted as an alternative by federal authorities.

“State policing may be an aspect of community policing, but it has a different character,” he argued.

He also dismissed the myth that policing must be conducted solely at the federal level.

The Oyo governor labeled it as a myth that was not borne out by data, statistics, or the reality of everyday life.
He argued that the fear of abuse of power by state governments was unfounded.

Makinde stated, “No scientific endeavour known, is free from abuse. If science was to think of abuse, we would not move on”.

Supporting the Makinde’s stance, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, expressed concerns about the limitations of the current federal policing system.

Fubara was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State, Mr Dagogo Eborama.

He highlighted the inefficiencies in tackling crime across Nigeria, especially in states facing frequent kidnappings and other violent crimes.

He questioned the possibility of the central police in tackling crime effectively in the country.

On the contrary, Gov. Umar Namadi, of Jigawa. represented by the State Attorney General, Mr Bello Fanini, cautioned against the adoption of state policing, without careful consideration.

He advocated for a multi-layered police system that would allow state-level policing to complement the federal police.

“We still need the federal police because of the dynamics of crime,” he explained,

He emphasised the importance of synergy between state and federal forces.