Submission Of Memoranda For State Police A ‘Waste of Time’ – Gov Makinde

Governor Makinde calls submission of memoranda for State Police a waste of time.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has criticized the submission of memoranda by 16 governors to the National Economic Council (NEC)

VerseNews recalls that NEC confirmed receipt of memoranda from 16 governors endorsing the establishment of state police to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

However, 20 other governors are yet to submit their reports, delaying potential action on the matter.

Meanwhile, governor Makinde asserted during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today,he labeled the governors’ actions as a waste of time, asserting, “I did not submit any memorandum on state police, but my position is clear. I see it, frankly, as a waste of our time.”

He clarified that his decision not to submit was not out of arrogance but because he believed the approach wouldn’t expedite the desired outcomes. Makinde emphasized that the matter of state police is best handled by the National Assembly, rather than the National Economic Council or the National Security Adviser.

Governor Makinde argued that the issue of state police should follow a constitutional process, starting with the National Assembly before replication at the state level.

He emphasized that the National Assembly is equipped to handle such matters efficiently, stating, “It is not the National Security Adviser or the National Economic Council that will deal with the issue of state police.”

“The National Assembly, they know what to do. They have people that can quickly do this work. It is not the National Security Adviser or the National Economic Council that will deal with the issue of state police.”

“It is a constitutional thing and should go to the National Assembly and then at the state level, we get our state houses of assembly to pass this law,” the governor said.

On February 12, governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reiterated their stance on state policing, advocating it as the solution to Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation. They expressed concerns, likening Nigeria’s trajectory to that of Venezuela.

Additionally, regional socio-political groups such as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Middle Belt Forum, and the Northern Elders’ Forum have echoed calls for state police, citing it as a remedy to the escalating security challenges across the nation.

Notably, states in the South-West and South-East have independently established security outfits like Amotekun and Ebube Agu, respectively, in response to rising threats.

Also,The Benue Guards has also been operational in Benue State in the North Central while states like Katsina, Zamfara, and other bandit-prone sub-nationals have also come up with similar state-established outfits.

However, these outfits have not proven as effective as anticipated due to the lack of support from the Federal Government. Consequently, states persist in their demand for entities like Amotekun and Ebube Agu to be authorized to carry assault rifles, such as AK-47s, to combat armed adversaries effectively.