By Raphael Ekpang
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has advocated for the establishment of a state police that is free from political interference religious extremism, tribalism, and ethnicism.
The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and two terms governor of Akwa Ibom state made this known on Monday in Abuja while delivering a speech at the National Dialogue on State Policing, help at Abuja Continental Hotel.
Represented by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, Akpabio noted that in creating state police, Nigeria must empower them to serve and protect, without fear or favor.
Akpabio said the dialogue places Nigerian at a crossroads, where the decisions to be reached will shape the destiny of Nigeria.
He said, “Today, we gather here not just as politicians, lawmakers, technocrats or bureaucrats, but as guardians of our great nation, holders of our nation’s sacred trust, and protectors of our posterity. With fidelity to these roles, we gather here today to discuss a matter of utmost importance – the security and safety of our beloved country. We gather here today to deliberate on the way forward, to explore new horizons, and to chart a path towards a brighter, greater and safer future for all Nigerians.In the face of insecurity, adversity and uncertainty, it is our duty to see above the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. It is our duty to be the architects of change, the catalysts for progress, and the guardians of hope.
“Today, we stand at a crossroads, where the decisions we make will shape the destiny of our nation. Today, we have the power to transform our security architecture and create a Nigeria where every citizen feels safe and protected, regardless of his or her status, religion, tribe, location or background.As a regular Joe, and a man of the people, I stand before you today, inspired by the resilience and determination of our people. I stand before you today, inspired by the courage and sacrifices of our security forces and law enforcement agents in the face of monstrous insecurity.
“ I stand before you today, inspired by the vision and leadership of our President, Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. I dare to believe that we, gathered here, under the leadership of Mr. President, have what it takes to overcome the challenges that lie before us and build a nation that is strong, united, and secure. The concept of state police has been a topic of debate for many years. It is a complex issue with no easy answers. But today, courtesy of the House of Representatives, we have the opportunity to engage in a national dialogue, to listen to the voices of our fellow citizens, and to forge a path towards a more secure Nigeria. Let us seize this opportunity with open hearts and open minds. Let us listen to one another, learn from one another, and work together to find common ground.
“The presence of the Vice President, who is representing the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in this event underscores its importance, and government’s commitment to reform and strengthen the security architecture of our country. It is always a pleasure to welcome him to any National Assembly event, not only because he is such an inspirational leader, but also because he is an alumnus of the National Assembly.
“Like I said recently, President Tinubu did not only come to steady the ship of state, he came to adjust the sails and steer the ship of state through rough and fair weather, to the right direction and the right destination. He is known for rearranging the sails, and this is exactly what he did in agreeing that modalities should be worked out for us to have state police.
“ I pay tribute to the Right Honorable Speaker, Right Honorable Tajudeen Abbas, the principal officers of the House of Representatives, and all members of the House of Representatives for setting this stage for a national discourse of this important and critical issue.
“ In working out modalities for the state police and the security of our nation, we must not forget that security is not a privilege, but a fundamental right of every Nigerian. It is our duty to ensure that this right is upheld, that justice is served, and that the rule of law prevails. We must build a security architecture that is robust, transparent, and accountable. If we are to set up state police departments, we must ensure that they are free from the shackles of politics, religious extremism, tribalism, and ethnicism. We must empower them to serve and protect, without fear or favor.
“As we consider this proposition, let us draw inspiration from the United States of America, a nation that has successfully implemented a system of state and federal policing. Let us learn from their experiences and adapt their models to suit our unique socio-political context. Let us ensure that our state police forces work in harmony with their federal counterparts, collaborating to fight crime, preserve peace, and safeguard our democracy. In the USA, the FBI, the federal police body enforces federal laws and the state police departments enforces state laws. The FBI also investigates inter-state crimes. We must draw the lines because to have functional state police we must have a strong federal police.But let us never forget that the power of the state police should never be used as a tool of oppression. Let us ensure that political powers cannot manipulate the state police to silence dissent or target their enemies.
“ Let us ensure that the influential do not exert undue influence over the state. police, and that justice is blind to wealth, power, politics, or status. Let us build a system that is fair, just, and equitable for all.Therefore, in this hallowed hall, let us embrace this dialogue as an opportunity for unity, understanding, and collaboration. Let us rise above our differences and work towards a common goal – a safer and more secure Nigeria. Let us use our collective efforts to build a nation that can withstand the challenges that lie ahead, a nation that can combat the monster of insecurity that currently threatens us,” he concluded..
