In a notable critique, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has castigated the act of submitting memoranda to the National Economic Council by 16 governors, as it pertains to the fervent call for state police.
Receipt Confirmation by NEC:
Confirming the receipt of memoranda from 16 governors who expressed support for the establishment of state police to tackle the nation’s security challenges, the National Economic Council underscored that 20 governors are yet to furnish their reports on the matter.
Governor Makinde’s Standpoint:
Governor Makinde has made it clear that he refrained from submitting a memorandum on the subject of state police, deeming it an exercise in futility. He stresses the imperative of adopting a more efficacious strategy.
Urgency for Legislative Intervention:
He contends that the issue of state police warrants the attention of the National Assembly due to its constitutional ramifications, rather than being deliberated upon by the National Economic Council or the National Security Adviser.
Advocacy for Parliamentary Engagement:
Governor Makinde underscores the significance of the National Assembly’s involvement in deliberating the matter of state police, advocating for legislative action as a precursor to potential implementation at the state level.
Emphasis on Constitutional Protocol:
He emphasizes that the matter of state police is inherently constitutional, necessitating legislative scrutiny both at the federal and state levels to ensure its effective realization.
Sustained Advocacy:
The persistent advocacy for state police stems from the escalating security crisis in Nigeria, prompting governors to reassert its significance as a viable solution to the nation’s security predicament.
Governors’ Apprehension:
Governors, particularly those affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party, have voiced apprehension regarding Nigeria’s security landscape, stressing the urgent need for robust measures to alleviate the crisis.
Navigating the Path Forward:
Governor Makinde’s critique underscores the ongoing discourse surrounding the establishment of state police, elucidating the intricate nuances and divergent viewpoints among stakeholders regarding the optimal approach to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
