State Police: Senator Arise Urges Public Education

Amid renewed calls from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a constitutional amendment to allow the creation of state police, APC chieftain Senator Ayodele Arise has urged the Presidency to work with state governors to educate the public and secure the support of sceptics.
Senator Arise made the remarks on Saturday during a live broadcast on Arise TV.

Speaking at an interfaith breaking of fast with senators recently at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu said the time had come for lawmakers to “start thinking” about embedding state policing in the Constitution so subnational governments can better secure their territories.

He said: “Nigeria is extremely challenged. We are facing terrorism, banditry, insurgency… What I will ask for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate state police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear.”

The President reiterated this position on Friday when he met with the leadership of the House of Representatives.

Senator Arise stressed that effectively communicating the benefits of state policing was essential, noting that the issue has long been contentious and opposed by some parts of the country.

He said: “In the interest of our country, and in response to the security challenges we face, President Tinubu has seen the merit in state policing, which is the best way to deter criminals and the cells that exist in our communities without us even knowing.
“Local police can more easily identify unusual situations, use intelligence proactively and investigate before damage is done because they understand the community and relate with everyone almost like family.

That has been the major attraction of state and local policing.”

On the National Assembly’s role, Arise described the President as “strategic,” noting that he has achieved policies many thought would not pass. “I don’t see any problem with the National Assembly,” he said. “I would encourage extensive public education about the pros and cons of state police , selling the idea to those initially opposed.

In 2010 we had opposition, but now people see the benefits as lives are being threatened and communities nearly annihilated.

Nobody wants to waste their life, so whatever the President can do is a good strategy to ensure the security of lives and property.”

Regarding the constitutional process, Senator Arise suggested amending Section 214 by moving policing to the Concurrent List, allowing both federal and state police forces to operate. “People must understand that state police don’t erase the federal police,” he said. “Once Section 214 is amended, the proposal will go to the states for ratification , requiring a two-thirds majority of the 36 states. With the current security situation, I believe many states will be persuaded.”

Asked about timing, he expressed confidence the amendment could be achieved within months, citing the ruling party’s comfortable majorities and its control of most states. “Security can’t wait another month or year. Once the Bill reaches the Clerk’s table, committees will discuss it. Yes, it will take months , you must train personnel, equip them and define the relationship between federal and state police , but with the President’s commitment it can be done in months.”

To address concerns that governors might abuse state police to intimidate opponents, Senator Arise proposed establishing an oversight commission. “The powers of state police would mirror those of the federal police, and the judiciary provides checks and balances.

A commission , comprising members of the judiciary, the education sector, civil society and human rights groups , should oversee state police activities. Body cameras and CCTV can deter abuse, and governors found guilty of human rights violations can be held to account after leaving office. There are ways to organise this so everyone’s interests are protected.”

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