By Olaide Ajibola, JKNMedia Reporter
THE Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a firm stance against the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, regarding his assertion that Nigeria is not ready for the implementation of state police.
In response to the IGP’s position expressed during a one-day dialogue on state policing themed: ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimaging Policing in Nigeria.’ Speaker of the House, Hon Mudashiru Obasa, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to draft letters to both the IGP and the National Assembly (NASS) conveying the state lawmakers’ rejection of Egbetokun’s stance.
During the dialogue, the IGP argued against the establishment of state police, citing concerns over potential ethnic tensions and divided loyalties within the federation. Instead, he proposed the merger of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) with the police force.
However, during a plenary session on Monday, Speaker Obasa challenged the effectiveness of such a merger, particularly highlighting the failure of the FRSC and NSCDC to adequately address road accidents and pipeline vandalization, respectively.
Obasa emphasized the importance of state police in addressing the nation’s security challenges drawing comparisons with policing structures in other countries like the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US).
He reiterated the significance of protecting lives and property, expressing strong support for the establishment of state police through constitutional amendments.
Echoing the Speaker’s sentiments, lawmakers such as Hon Sa’ad Olumoh (Ajeromi/Ifelodin 1) underscored the need for state police, noting the existing presence of local security outfits in various Nigerian states.
In a statement by Eromosele Ebhomele, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, the IGP’s stance was criticized by Obasa, asserting that state police initiatives already exist in practice across Nigeria.
He emphasized the urgency of addressing the nation’s security challenges and urged support of the establishment of state police as a viable solution.
