A group, the South-South Youths Initiative knocks the Federal Government over the purported approval of the creation of state police, saying it will be abused by governors in their domains
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI) has rejected the proposed establishment of State Police in Nigeria, warns that the initiative, in its current form, could be abused by governors, thereby defeating the motive and aim behind its establishment.
The President of the group, Comrade Oscar Saviour Imeabe made the declaration in an open letter to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and made available to Journalists in Port Harcourt.
The group argued that in as much as the policy may look lofty, the fear of abuse by the governors who would consequently become Chief Operating Officers (COOs) would be rife, considering the antecedents of the Nigerian politicians.
“Our fear is that placing State Police under the direct control of governors could transform the outfit into political instruments used to intimidate opponents, manipulate elections and suppress dissenting voices. Nigeria’s experience with the abuse of state-controlled institutions should serve as a warning against creating security structures that could be exploited for partisan interests,” Oscar said.
The group also expressed reservation that state police creation could aggravate existing divisions in Nigeria’s diverse society, particularly in multi-ethnic states across the Niger Delta and other regions of the country.
“While we are not opposed to reforms that improve security and bring policing closer to the people, SSYI condemns the current process and structure of State Police being pushed across Nigeria. The negative implications far outweigh the promises if left unchecked,
“State Police under the control of Governors will become a private army for political intimidation, election rigging, and suppression of opposition.
“We have seen how state-controlled institutions are abused. Handing Governors direct control of armed police will deepen authoritarianism and threaten democracy,” the statement reads.
The SSYI also queried the financial capacity of most states to effectively fund independent police formations, pointing out that several state governments still struggle to meet salary obligations.
The group emphasized that inadequate funding could result in poorly trained and poorly equipped officers, thereby increasing the likelihood of corruption, extortion, and human rights abuses.
The youths’ body also raised concerns over possible jurisdictional conflicts between State Police and existing federal security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
SSYI argued that the emergence of multiple policing authorities without a clearly defined accountability framework could create operational confusion and provide opportunities for criminal elements to exploit security gaps.
“Most states cannot pay salaries regularly. A poorly funded State Police would mean poorly trained and poorly equipped officers who will resort to extortion and brutality. This will increase insecurity, not reduce it.
“Multiple state commands with no clear accountability framework will clash with federal agencies, NSCDC, DSS, and even among themselves. This confusion will embolden criminals and terrorists.
“Instead of rushing into State Police, the Federal Government and National Assembly must prioritize holistic police reform,” SSYI said.
