The proposed establishment of state police has continued to generate mixed reactions in Rivers State, with residents expressing cautious optimism over its potential to improve security while warning against political interference and weak institutional safeguards.

The debate follows the National Assembly‘s approval of the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police.

The proposal, however, is yet to become law as it requires ratification by at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted to the President for assent.

In Port Harcourt, many residents said decentralising policing could strengthen security by bringing law enforcement closer to communities and improving intelligence gathering.

They argued that officers recruited from local areas would have better knowledge of their environment, enabling quicker responses to security threats.

Others, however, expressed fears that state police could become a tool in the hands of state governors, particularly during elections, unless strong legal and institutional safeguards are put in place to guarantee operational independence.

Residents also raised concerns over recruitment processes, funding, officers’ welfare, training standards, operational guidelines and possible jurisdictional conflicts with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.

Security analyst, Lekan Ojo, said the concept of state policing is not fundamentally flawed, noting that several federal democracies successfully operate both state and federal police systems.

He, however, stressed that Nigeria must first address critical issues relating to recruitment, training, remuneration, operational independence and command structure before implementing the policy.

Ojo further warned that poorly funded state police formations could become susceptible to corruption and abuse, particularly where officers are inadequately trained and equipped despite bearing firearms.

He advocated the establishment of independent State Police Commissions comprising representatives of the executive, legislature, judiciary, traditional institutions, academia and youth groups to shield the proposed force from political control.

Also weighing in, National President of the South South Youth Initiative, Comrade Oscar Saviour, argued that government should first reform the existing policing system and address prevailing economic challenges before creating another security institution.

According to him, many states already face financial constraints and may struggle to sustain state police formations, adding that without effective safeguards, the proposed outfit could become vulnerable to political manipulation.

Despite their differing views, many residents agreed that state policing could enhance community security if built on transparency, accountability, adequate funding and professional standards.

They also urged government to tackle unemployment and improve the welfare of security personnel, insisting that addressing the root causes of crime remains critical to achieving lasting security.

The proposed constitutional amendment will now require the endorsement of at least two-thirds of the country’s 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can proceed for presidential assent. (The Guardian)

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