At the 2024 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference, a pivotal session titled “Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu Leadership Series: Is State Police a Solution to National Insecurity?” drew significant attention as it addressed the pressing issue of national security.
This session, held in the Chukwudifu Oputa GCON Hall at Tafawa Balewa Square, was a tribute to the late Governor Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, whose advocacy for state policing remains influential in Nigeria’s ongoing security discourse.
The session featured several distinguished speakers, including the NBA President, Maikyau. He underscored the importance of state policing as a critical tool for national security. He praised Akeredolu’s legacy, highlighting the Amotekun security initiative in the Southwest as a model for other states.
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His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the current Governor of Ondo State, elaborated on the history and effectiveness of Amotekun, drawing comparisons with similar security frameworks like Homeland Security in the United States. He emphasized that the varied security challenges across Nigeria necessitate a localized, state-controlled police force rather than a centralized system that has proven inadequate.
The discussion extended to broader concerns about the federal policing system. Professor Oyewo, former Attorney General of Oyo State, advocated for adopting state policing while criticizing the central police force’s inability to manage Nigeria’s complex crime landscape.
The Attorney General of Cross River State, represented by Ibiroma, echoed this sentiment, urging the government to learn from the Amotekun example and prioritize investment in youth education and job creation as part of a holistic approach to security.
Commander Adeleye, the head of Amotekun, provided concrete evidence of the outfit’s successes, citing a significant reduction in armed robbery and the apprehension of over 5,000 criminals in Ondo State since Amotekun’s inception.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana added a constitutional perspective, arguing for the justiciability of Chapters 2 and 4 of the Nigerian Constitution to enhance government accountability in protecting citizens’ rights.
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The session concluded with a consensus among the speakers on the need for state policing, with the hope that the Nigerian government would seriously consider the recommendations made. The discussion highlighted the importance of tailoring security measures to the specific needs of different regions within Nigeria and the necessity of a collaborative effort between federal and state governments to rebuild national security.
To address the ongoing security challenges, Nigeria must embrace a decentralized approach to policing, allowing states to establish their own security forces tailored to their unique needs. The federal government should support these initiatives by providing legal frameworks and resources.
Additionally, there should be a concerted effort to invest in education, job creation, and youth development programs to address the root causes of insecurity. By fostering collaboration between federal and state governments and involving local communities in security efforts, Nigeria can create a more secure and stable environment for its citizens.
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