Dispel Fear Of Abuse Of State Police – Speaker

The Speaker of House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, has called on stakeholders to provide a framework that will dispel the fear of abuse of state police by governors.

The speaker made the call at a one day national dialogue on state policing, with the theme: “Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria” in Abuja.

Dr. Abbas said that there was need to proceed with caution as some Nigerians continue to express fear over state police.

According to him, these concerns are not unfounded and must be addressed frontally, without bias or sentiment.

“This emphasises the need for robust frameworks that would ensure accountability, transparency, and equitable service delivery across all states.

He explained that it was imperative to set stringent national standards, establish oversight bodies, and involve communities in the policing process.

The Speaker also said most Nigerians agreed on the need to reform policing, and that is where the consensus ends, adding that there was no agreement on how best to proceed with the reform.

He added that there was no best policing model for Nigeria yet, noting that Nigeria’s diversity, with over 300 ethnic groups and a range of geographic, economic, and social conditions, requires a policing model that is adaptable and sensitive to local contexts.

“As we explore the models of state policing that have been successful in other nations, we must be judicious in adapting these frameworks to fit our unique Nigerian context,” he said.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji