State police: Govs must control CPs, Southern, M’Belt leaders insist

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has endorsed the proposed establishment of state police but insisted that governors must have full constitutional powers to appoint and remove state Commissioners of Police, just as the President exercises authority over the Inspector-General of Police.

The forum, comprising prominent socio-cultural organisations including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), argued that anything short of such autonomy would amount to creating a “federal state police” rather than a genuinely decentralised policing system rooted in true federalism.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued after a general meeting of stakeholders and elder statesmen held at PANDEF’s liaison office in Abuja.

The meeting was attended by former Akwa Ibom State Governor Chief Victor Attah, former Enugu State Governor Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, PANDEF National Chairman Dr Godknows Igali, MBF President Dr Bitrus Pogu, and other leaders from the Southern and Middle Belt regions.

Governors should control state police

Reading the communiqué, the Chairman of the forum and factional Afenifere leader, Chief Oladipo Olaitan, reiterated the group’s long-standing support for state policing but stressed that it must reflect the principles of true federalism.

Chief Olaitan said, “SMBLF welcomes state police, of which we have been advocates over the years, but insists that state police should reflect true federalism and not a Federal State Police system.

“To that end, state governors shall have the same power to appoint or remove a Commissioner of Police as the President in relation to the Inspector-General of Police.”

Forum renews call for new Constitution

The forum also renewed its demand for a new Constitution that would devolve more powers to the federating units and better reflect Nigeria’s federal character.

Chief Olaitan said, “We also insist on a new constitution that reflects true federalism and shall mobilise the people to vote for a presidential candidate that will give the people of Nigeria a new Constitution.”

Backs Southern presidency in 2027

On the 2027 general elections, the regional leaders reaffirmed their earlier position that the presidency should remain in the South after President Bola Tinubu’s first term, arguing that such an arrangement is necessary for national cohesion and political stability.

The forum also expressed concern over what it described as the erosion of internal democracy across political parties, condemning the alleged dominance of party structures by a few individuals during ongoing primary elections.

Chief Olaitan said, “SMBLF reiterates its earlier resolution that the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall remain in the southern region in the next four years consequent on the 2027 general elections in the interest of national political stability.

“We decry the lack of internal democracy as witnessed in the ongoing primaries in all the political parties. The essence of democracy is free choice by the people.

“The situation of one person or an oligarchy of a few choosing candidates in a political system that excludes independent candidates is antithetical to democracy and national development.

“Nigeria shall remain a thriving multi-party constitutional democracy which also allows for independent candidacy.”

Commends security gains, seeks more action

On insecurity, the group commended the Armed Forces for recent gains against criminal elements in parts of the country but urged the Federal Government to sustain the momentum, particularly in violence-prone states across the Middle Belt.

Chief Olaitan said, “We recognise and appreciate the renewed efforts and successes of the armed forces on the state of security, particularly in Oyo, Zamfara, and Borno and urged renewed momentum in the Middle Belt, particularly Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Kwara, and Kogi.

“SMBLF also calls on the Federal Government to intensify actions including collaboration with our neighbours and the international community.”

Debate over state police continues

The latest position comes amid growing national debate over the operational framework for state police following the National Assembly’s ongoing consideration of constitutional amendments to establish state-controlled policing.

While supporters argue that decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering and strengthen responses to local security challenges, critics have warned against the potential abuse of state police by governors.

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, however, maintained that meaningful state policing can only succeed if it is backed by genuine constitutional autonomy consistent with the principles of true federalism.