"Governor Makinde Challenges State Police Proposals: Calls for Parliamentary Action Over Memoranda"

Governor Seyi Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has criticized the submission of memoranda by governors advocating for state police, labeling it as futile. In an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Makinde expressed skepticism about the efficacy of the approach taken by 16 governors who submitted reports to the National Economic Council (NEC).

While 16 governors voiced their support for establishing state police to address the nation's security challenges, Makinde denounced the initiative as a diversionary tactic. He underscored that the issue of state police should be addressed through constitutional channels, primarily by the National Assembly.

Seyi Makinde emphasized that the National Assembly possesses the requisite expertise to handle constitutional matters and enact legislation on state police. He stressed the importance of obtaining parliamentary approval before implementing such a significant policy change.

Makinde clarified that he did not submit a memorandum on state police, emphasizing that his stance on the matter remains unchanged. He reiterated his belief that state police discussions should be directed to the appropriate legislative bodies for deliberation and action.

The debate over state police has long been a contentious issue in Nigeria, particularly amidst escalating security concerns. While some governors and regional socio-political groups advocate for decentralized security measures, others, like Makinde, advocate for a more centralized approach through parliamentary intervention.

Several states, particularly in the South-West and South-East regions, have established regional security outfits such as Amotekun and Ebube Agu to complement federal security efforts. However, these initiatives face challenges in gaining federal recognition and support.

Despite calls for expanded powers and access to assault rifles for state security outfits, such as Amotekun and Ebube Agu, their requests remain unfulfilled by the Federal Government. States continue to press for federal endorsement to bolster their security capabilities.

Governor Makinde's critique of the state police memoranda underscores the ongoing debate surrounding security reforms in Nigeria. As the nation grapples with mounting security challenges, the role of state and federal authorities in addressing these issues remains a subject of intense scrutiny and debate.