A legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana, on Thursday called for a well-structured mechanism for state police to ensure effectiveness.

Falana warned that without it, state police could be abused and used as a tool for oppression.

The rights activist made the call at the Fifth Yinka Odumakin Memorial Lecture in Ikeja.

The lecture had the theme: “Can Nigeria Democracy Work Without Restructuring?”

He urged restructuring of Nigeria’s governance system, citing the country’s history and the need for true federalism.

“Restructuring is about who are the beneficiaries,” he said.

He claimed that some state governments used security agencies to target opposition and journalists, and warned that state police could be used the same way, if not properly structured and managed.

Falana advised against manipulating the electoral system.

“We must stop agonising and we must get organised in the interest of our people.”

The President of the International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade, also warned that without proper structuring, state police could become an instrument of oppression.

He also claimed that some state governments used security agencies to target opposition and journalists.

Arogundade emphasised the need for a people-focused approach to state policing.

He said that state police should be managed democratically.

He said that Nigeria required state police which would serve all its citizens, and urged stakeholders to work toward creating a system that would prioritise the welfare and security of all Nigerians.

He also advised governments to invest more in science and technology to address insecurity more effectively.

In his remarks, Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, also called for the establishment of state police.

He advised that the mechanism must be well-structured for the benefit of the citizens.

Adams said that he was ready to join forces with governments to provide adequate security for the people.

He added that the best way to honour the late Odumakin was for activists and civil society groups to remain committed to justice, democracy and good governance.

Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, also called for the establishment of state police.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had in attendance members of civil society groups.

Right campaigners, including Mr Omoyele Sowore, Publisher of Sahara Reporters; Olumide Fusika, Agba Jalingo, and Richard Akinola, were at the event. (NAN)

Update news