Ex-IYC president hails Tinubu’s political will on state police

Clarion Chukwurah, a veteran Nollywood actress known for her activism and public engagement, has publicly appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider immediate interim security measures amid the ongoing challenge of insecurity in Nigeria. Her appeal, shared on her Instagram page, highlights the urgency of addressing the nation's security issues while the proposed state police structure is still being developed. Chukwurah praised Tinubu for initiating the creation of state police, calling it a positive step toward resolving the country's deep-rooted security problems. However, she emphasized that the deployment of these forces across all states, especially in rural areas, could take up to two years, leaving significant gaps in protection.

Chukwurah pointed out that insecurity and poverty are major barriers to national development. She criticized the government for being hindered by political pressures, corruption, and high unemployment rates, which contribute to the rise in criminal activities. She argued that many impoverished Nigerians perceive the government as an adversary, making it difficult to achieve meaningful progress. To bridge this gap, she suggested that the government utilize part of the National Security Emergency Intervention Fund to bolster community self-defense through armed vigilante groups. These groups, she believes, could offer immediate protection until state police are fully operational.

Additionally, Chukwurah condemned the abduction of children, labeling kidnappers as "cowards" for subjecting minors to harsh conditions in forests. She highlighted that the prevalence of such crimes is partly due to the collusion between kidnappers, neighborhood informants, and some corrupt police officers, who exploit the helplessness of victims. She also advocated for the hiring of armed security personnel in schools to safeguard students, teachers, and staff from potential attacks.

The call for state police has gained traction over the years, with several notable figures contributing to the discourse. Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Dr. Ike Ekweremadu, played a pivotal role in advocating for decentralized policing. Despite initial resistance, Ekweremadu remained steadfast in his belief that a centralized policing model was unsustainable for a diverse country like Nigeria. His warnings about the spread of banditry in the north were prescient, as the threat has since expanded beyond the northern regions. Ekweremadu's advocacy laid the groundwork for the eventual push for state police, highlighting the necessity of empowering local governments to manage security effectively.

Recent developments show that the National Assembly has passed the Constitution Alteration Bill on State Police, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria's constitutional evolution. A former member of the House of Representatives, Kayode Oladele, lauded the passage of the bill as a timely response to the country's escalating security challenges. He emphasized that the proposed dual policing structure—comprising a Federal Police Service and state police services—is essential for reinforcing federalism and ensuring that law enforcement is more accessible to citizens. Oladele acknowledged the concerns surrounding the potential misuse of state police by state governments but stressed that the bill includes safeguards such as legislative oversight and federal intervention mechanisms to mitigate risks.

Similarly, Udengs Eradiri, a former President of the Ijaw Youths Council Worldwide, commended President Tinubu for his political will in advancing the state police initiative. He recognized Tinubu's courage in pursuing a reform that previous administrations had avoided. However, Eradiri cautioned that the mere establishment of state police would not resolve Nigeria's security crises unless state and local governments demonstrate effective leadership. He attributed the root cause of insecurity to poor governance, lack of investment in security infrastructure, and failure to address unemployment and weak local governance. Eradiri called for improved leadership at the grassroots level, emphasizing the importance of investing in policing, infrastructure, and economic development to create job opportunities for youth.

As the debate continues, the success of the state police initiative hinges on the willingness of state governments to implement the necessary reforms and ensure that the new structures are equipped with adequate resources and trained personnel. While the path forward remains complex, the collective efforts of activists, legislators, and community leaders suggest that the push for localized security solutions is gaining momentum. The outcome of this movement will likely shape the future of Nigeria's security landscape, influencing how the nation addresses the intertwined challenges of insecurity, poverty, and governance.