Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde emphasized the pressing need for state police on Tuesday, stating that the idea has become imperative to address the security challenges across the country.
Makinde recalled that the Federal Government’s refusal to approve South-West Governors’ demand for state police a few years ago led to the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun.
During a meeting with the South-West Chapter of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislators, Makinde stressed the importance of revisiting the issue.
He acknowledged the fears in some quarters about states maintaining state police but refuted them, citing Oyo State as an example where salaries and pensions are consistently paid despite economic challenges.
Makinde revealed that before launching Amotekun, South-West governors had sought Federal Government approval for state police but were unsuccessful during President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.
He disagreed with the notion that states couldn’t maintain state police, highlighting that states already bear the responsibility of maintaining the police.
While acknowledging that the police fall under the exclusive list, Makinde proposed a split responsibility, allowing states to manage their police system with access to resources from the federation account.
He urged the Federal Government to give states the responsibility first and assess their ability to maintain it.
Despite the setback in establishing state police, Makinde emphasized the importance of pushing for it. He urged lawmakers to play a crucial role in making state police a reality, noting that all South-West state assemblies had passed a common law for the establishment of Amotekun.
The governor underscored the collaboration needed between the executive and legislative arms to deliver democracy’s dividends and drive development for the people.
