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Governors already control police, social commentator Segalink says
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Governors already control police, social commentator Segalink says

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Social commentator Segun Awosanya argues that state governors already control police in their states, dismissing concerns about state police granting them excessive power.
  • He stated that governors influence the appointment and deployment of Commissioners of Police and are members of the Police Council.
  • Awosanya believes creating state police would formalize existing influence and allow for better community-based policing.

Social commentator Segun Awosanya, known as Segalink, has challenged the notion that state governors lack control over the police, labeling it a "myth." He argues that state chief executives already wield significant influence over policing, and the creation of state police would merely formalize this existing power structure.

The notion that states do not control the police is a myth.

— Segun AwosanyaSocial commentator and advocate Segun Awosanya, popularly known as Segalink, dismissed concerns about state police.

Appearing on Vanguard News’ Politics Hub, Awosanya asserted that governors play a crucial role in policing through their influence on the appointment and deployment of Commissioners of Police, as well as their membership in the Police Council. "There is no governor who does not approve the Commissioner of Police in their state," he stated, adding that governors often "shy away from responsibility by saying the federal government controls the police."

There is no governor who does not approve the Commissioner of Police in their state. They only shy away from responsibility by saying the federal government controls the police.

— Segun AwosanyaHe stated that governors already play a key role in policing.

Awosanya cited instances where governors successfully requested the redeployment of Commissioners of Police, demonstrating their existing leverage. While acknowledging the potential for power abuse, he noted this is not exclusive to state governments. He believes establishing state police would allow states to recruit competent, well-paid officers familiar with local security challenges, effectively replicating the federal system at the state level.

I have had cases of governors who requested a change of a Commissioner of Police.

— Segun AwosanyaAwosanya claimed he has witnessed instances where governors successfully requested the redeployment of Commissioners of Police.

The activist further suggested that the reform should encompass the judiciary and correctional systems to ensure better coordination and crime data management. He concluded that, in practice, Commissioners of Police often take directives from governors, making the debate about control largely a matter of formalizing existing arrangements.

Power reveals people. The Presidency cannot vouch for any governor.

— Segun AwosanyaHe argued that power can be abused, but this is not unique to state governments.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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