Don’t make State Police FG’s appendage, Afenifere tells NASS

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for forwarding the State Police Bill to the National Assembly. However, the group urged lawmakers to revise certain provisions that they believe would render state police mere "appendages of the federal government." Afenifere also advocated for policing to be placed on the Concurrent Legislative List, aiming to grant state police formations greater autonomy.

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There are some areas in the Bill that need to be reviewed, especially areas that tend to make the proposed State Police appendages of the federal government.

In a statement following a caucus meeting, Afenifere's National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, conveyed the group's commendation for the bill's transmission and the lawmakers' efforts to expedite its passage. Despite this, Afenifere voiced reservations about clauses that "strengthen the stronghold of the federal government on state police rather than liberalising it."

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In other words, there are clauses in the Bill that tend to strengthen the stronghold of the federal government on state police rather than liberalising it.

The group also highlighted its deep concern regarding the abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oyo State, noting that the victims have been in captivity for approximately 50 days. "It’s about 50 days now that the incident in Oriire occurred. It is a big pity that the victims have not been rescued," the statement read, urging for expedited actions to secure their release.

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It’s about 50 days now that the incident in Oriire occurred. It is a big pity that the victims have not been rescued.

Afenifere further called upon governors in Yoruba-speaking states, including Kogi and Kwara, to implement more decisive measures against the prevailing insecurity affecting regional travel. The organization also implored politicians to conduct peaceful election campaigns, warning against thuggery, violence, and character assassination. The group also commended Nigerian troops and sympathized with families of security personnel killed in action, recommending enhanced equipment, welfare, and a blend of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to bolster security agencies. They also urged the government to identify internal collaborators and sponsors of illegal mining.

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We feel highly disturbed that these innocent Nigerians are going through avoidable trauma. Actions must be expedited to get them out of the den of the bandits as quickly as possible.