Fifteen Governors Back State Police -NEC

Concerned about the nation’s security, sixteen governors have supported the creation of state police.

During its 140th meeting, which was held digitally and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the National Economic Council (NEC) revealed this in a report presented to the Council on Thursday.

According to Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, who briefed State House media shortly after the meeting, 20 of the 36 states’ governors and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have not yet submitted their reports.

But the United States was omitted from his statement.

In their memoranda, the governors of Nigeria also demanded a new constitution.

Meanwhile, the summary report from the special committee on preventing and controlling crude oil theft has also been received by NEC.

While keeping an eye out for violations, the committee located the oil industry’s weak spots.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma chairs the group, which is requesting political will to implement reforms and improvements.

As kidnapping and banditry continue to escalate in Nigeria, there has been a call for state police.

While bemoaning the fact that Nigeria is “nearly on the path to Venezuela,” governors elected on the PDP platform reiterated their stance on state policing as the remedy to the country’s deteriorating security situation on February 12.

Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Northern Elders’ Forum, and the Middle Belt Forum are just a few of the regional socio-political organisations that have long advocated for the establishment of a state police force to address the nation’s mounting security threats.

Not only have nations in the south-west geopolitical zone established the Amotekun, but their southeast counterparts have also established the Ebube Agu, a security group. In North Central Nigeria, the Benue Guards have been active, and other states with a history of banditry, such as Zamfara and Katsina, have also formed state-established units with a similar mission.

Because they lack official support from the federal government, these groups have not achieved the level of success that was expected. Amotekun, Ebube Agu, and others are still being asked by states to be allowed to carry assault guns like AK-47s so that they can face armed marauders.