The Borno State government has voiced its opposition to the establishment of state police in Nigeria, diverging from the stance of most other state governments.
Nebeolisa Anako, Secretary of the National Economic Council (NEC), revealed this position in a text message to our correspondent on Sunday. Anako confirmed that nearly all 36 state governors had submitted their reports on the state police proposal, with a predominantly positive response, except from Borno State.
“Almost all, and mostly positive. Borno is the only state against,” Anako stated.
This stance aligns with the views of Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, who in 2021 argued that Nigeria was not yet ready for state police. Speaking at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau State, Zulum warned that decentralising the police force could exacerbate the country’s security challenges.
“Nigeria is not mature for state police. Some state governors can use it to wipe away other tribes apart from their tribes,” Zulum had said.
The debate over state police has gained traction as a potential solution to Nigeria’s pervasive insecurity. President Bola Tinubu, after a meeting with several governors on February 15, signalled his agreement to establish state police. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced that subsequent meetings would fine-tune the implementation details.
Furthering this initiative, a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to empower governors to appoint state commissioners of police passed its second reading in the House of Representatives on February 20. This bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 14 others, has ignited a nationwide debate, with figures such as Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, voicing opposition, while the Speakers of the Houses of Assembly from all 36 states expressed support.
As of March 21, 2024, the NEC had received reports from 16 out of 36 states regarding the creation of state police. The House of Representatives is now planning consultations with relevant stakeholders and the 36 state governors to discuss the proposed creation of state police, power devolution, and local government autonomy.
Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, confirmed that these discussions are slated for June, alongside a planned interface with the chairmen of the 18 registered political parties.
On April 22, 2024, the Kalu-led Constitution Review Committee held a public hearing on state policing in Abuja, attended by prominent figures including former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
