State police: Afenifere weighs in, urging NASS to make it independent

The Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has called on Nigeria's National Assembly to ensure the proposed state police bill grants genuine independence from federal control. Rising from a caucus meeting in Akure, Ondo State, the group specifically recommended placing state police on the Constitution's concurrent legislative list.

Afenifere acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the federal legislature in advancing the state police initiative, which aims to address Nigeria's persistent security challenges. However, the group identified clauses within the bill that they believe unduly strengthen the federal government's grip on state police, rather than liberalizing its structure. They argue these areas require review to prevent the proposed state police from becoming mere appendages of the federal government.

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However, there are some areas in the Bill that need to be reviewed, areas that tend to make the proposed State Police appendages of the federal government. In other words, there are clauses in the Bill that tend to strengthen the stronghold of the federal government on state police rather than liberalizing it.

This call for reform comes as the National Assembly recently passed the bill, which now requires approval from two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly before presidential assent. Some political factions have opposed the bill, while others, like Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have called for its suspension until after the 2027 general election.

In addition to the state police debate, Afenifere voiced grave concerns regarding the recent abductions of pupils and teachers in Oyo State and other kidnapping incidents across Yorubaland and Nigeria. The group expressed distress over the prolonged trauma of victims, particularly those abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area, urging authorities to expedite rescue efforts. Afenifere also implored Yoruba state governors to take more decisive actions against the insecurity imperiling free movement in the region, while commending the military and other security agencies for their ongoing efforts.

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It’s about 50 days now since the incident in Oriire Local Government Area occurred. It is a great pity that the victims have not been rescued yet. 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.