Ultimately, it seems the Nigerian government has come to accept the fact that it is impossible to effectively monitor a large and complex federation such as ours from Abuja. For more than twenty years, calls for decentralizing our law enforcement system went unheard. Attempts at passing legislation along these lines were frequently halted, usually due to external pressures and the executive's firm control over all proper means of authority.
There were various opinions as well. Some believed that state police would benefit secessionists, whereas many truly viewed them as an immediate tool in the hands of governors, used to suppress opposition and sources of disagreement.
However, I believe the true resistance towards state police arose because most individuals remained unaware of the growing sense of insecurity that had been developing for years. I remember a discussion between the former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ekweremadu, and a senator representing the North-West region (specifically Kebbi State). Ekweremadu cautioned that the rising banditry in the remote northern-western states might eventually reach as far as Kaduna in the north-central area and southern regions unless legislators backed the establishment of state police forces to enable the various states to manage their own security. The senator responded with laughter, claiming that Ekweremadu lacked an understanding of the geography of the North, arguing that places like Sokoto, Rivers, and Rima River would be enough barriers against this negative spread. Nowadays, we all have a clearer view.
However, it is encouraging that even with strong resistance against decentralized law enforcement, there were some individuals like Ekweremadu who did not back down. Throughout several notable speeches—such as the 10th Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, delivered on Thursday, June 3, 2010; the Sixth Annual Oputa Lecture on Governance in Africa held at the Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on April 11, 2012; the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Annual Lecture titled "Policing and National Security: The Choices Before Us," presented on March 1, 2013; and his more recent talks in 2020 along with numerous appearances in the media—he consistently highlighted unitary policing, excessive centralization of authority, and lack of financial federalism, referred to as "feeding-bottle federalism," as major challenges within Nigeria’s federal system that needed to be addressed.
Indeed, he accurately foresaw some of the current security issues. In response to the brutal killing of innocent Nigerians in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, in 2018, Ekweremadu expressed sorrow, noting that although the event was tragic, the most distressing truth was the lack of assurance that further killings might not occur. As he stated, "It's impossible to maintain a large federation such as Nigeria, with all its various groups, while continuing to function under a centralized police system."
Yet, at some point in the history of a nation, it becomes necessary for its citizens to examine themselves honestly and speak the true message of faith. A moment arrives where one must decide between aligning with popular opinions and worrying about potential abuse of law enforcement power, as well as facing current dangers threatening lives on highways, in educational institutions, and across agricultural lands due to robbers, extremists, and various types of violent offenders.
No one expressed this more clearly than Senator Ita Enang. Speaking on Channels Television’s "Politics Today" around 2025, he stated: "Ekweremadu strongly advocated for having state police. He introduced and pushed through a bill. However, I was among those who firmly disagreed with him and actively worked against it. I made it clear that since governors wield significant influence over the election process, granting them authority over security could lead to widespread violence. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t focus too much on what a governor does with it, provided he uses it to handle the state's internal security. The concept of state police arrived at just the right moment."
However, this moment could not have arrived without a genuinely federalist and bold leader such as President Bola Tinubu, someone always willing to face challenges head-on and choose to reduce the presidency's total control over the country's security framework. This is what sets President Bola Tinubu apart from his predecessors. His capacity to make difficult choices cannot be overlooked. We witnessed it when he eliminated the fuel subsidy. We observed it when he allowed the exchange rate to float freely. We noted it when he enacted the Electricity Act, granting states the authority to produce, transport, and supply electricity within their regions. We also saw it when he took legal action to achieve fiscal independence for all 774 local governments. Additionally, we recognized it through his restructuring of the national security system, bringing in fresh leaders for key services.
Currently, President Bola Tinubu once more has demonstrated honesty in his leadership by recognizing, contrary to previous leaders, that clinging to the full security structure serves only the ego of remaining in power as lawless groups cause chaos throughout the nation. This requires bravery. However, taking the step to introduce an executive bill to the National Assembly to turn promises into deeds demands even more valor.
Despite the shortcomings in the legislation approved by the National Assembly, I also recognize that these laws have gained from Ekweremadu's innovative efforts, which deliberately and thoroughly tackled essential aspects such as organization, uniformity, oversight, weaponry, training, interaction with federal law enforcement agencies, and most significantly, concerns regarding potential misuse by state governors. Incidentally, Ekweremadu's state police bill was informed by research conducted by him and his team, including Professor Offornze Amucheazi, examining global exemplars, particularly within federal systems like those of the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
Even though the excerpts we've observed from the current drafts might contain certain omissions, it's crucial for Nigerians to remain patient and await the unified version along with the final legislative act from the National Assembly, which will offer further clarification regarding the authority, organization, oversight, and other aspects of the state police force. This legislation will follow the successful amendment of the Constitution accordingly. Regardless of how one views it, the National Assembly should receive praise, and this significant advancement must not be undermined by political convenience or disagreements.
At the same time, financial support remains a top priority ever since both houses of the National Assembly approved the state police legislation. In a back-page piece titled "A Vote for State Police," written in 2018, Ekweremadu stated that funds allocated for state police ought to be prioritized as an initial expense on the state budget or withheld directly from the federal account and transferred to the Police Service Commission for further distribution to individual State Police Commissions.
He further contended that establishing state-level police forces would not be mandatory for states lacking sufficient funds to support such initiatives. In his view, the key priority is setting up the legal structures that enable and oversee decentralized law enforcement, allowing regions capable of financing it to begin implementing these systems.
Nevertheless, if a state lacks the resources to ensure safety, what other areas can it finance? How will it develop roads, boost economic growth, and draw in investors? Moreover, Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution states clearly: "The security and well-being of the citizens should be the main objective of governance." Therefore, my view is that funding reflects priorities, as demonstrated by Enugu State.
Within three short years, Governor Peter Mbah has shown that when there is determination and clear goals, progress can be achieved. Over this period, he introduced advanced security systems incorporating artificial intelligence, including high-tech cameras linked to one of the largest and most sophisticated command centers for comprehensive monitoring across the state. He deployed more than 150 emergency response units fitted with AI-powered camera technology. Additionally, he revamped and reintroduced the Enugu State Security Trust Fund, initiated the use of cutting-edge vertical takeoff and landing drones capable of covering up to 100 kilometers at speeds reaching 120 km/hour, upgraded and trained the Enugu State Forest Guard force, and recently inaugurated an advanced Center for DNA Analysis and Crime Research. The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, along with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN—both present during the inauguration—praised the center as a significant addition to national safety efforts. They emphasized that it would enhance the ability of police forces and courts to combat criminal activity and ensure accurate, science-backed investigations and fair legal proceedings in today’s world.
In conclusion, the possibility of amending the constitution to establish state-level law enforcement is an opportunity that has arrived at the right moment and warrants full backing for success.
Anichukwu served as a media consultant for the previous Deputy President of the Senate and a public figure.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).