“EXXONMOBIL SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT: COMMITMENT TO NIGERIA STRONGER THAN EVER!”

Babatunji Wusu –

In a resolute stand for greater autonomy over security matters, governors from the southern region convened in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under the banner of the Southern Governors Forum. Their unanimous call for the establishment of state police echoed loudly during their recent meeting.

Dapo Abiodun, the new chairman of the forum succeeding the late Rotimi Akeredolu, emphasized their collective stance in a televised interview. He highlighted the fundamental issue with the current security setup, where federal officers often lack local familiarity crucial for effective policing. Abiodun stressed that state police would bridge this gap, enabling security personnel to better understand local terrains, languages, and cultural nuances. This understanding, he argued, is essential for gathering intelligence and effectively combating insecurity.

“We all spoke with one voice in support of state policing,” Abiodun emphasized. “State police and regional security outfits already operational in many regions complement federal efforts by providing critical intelligence and support.”

The governors, who serve as state chief security officers but lack direct operational control over security forces in their states, expressed frustration over the disconnect between local needs and federal deployments. Abiodun pointed out that current arrangements often result in officers being transferred before they can adequately familiarize themselves with local dynamics, hampering security efforts.

“The concept of state policing isn’t new; it exists in various forms globally,” Abiodun noted. “In our democracy’s origins, similar policing structures are commonplace.”

He concluded by reaffirming their commitment to enhancing security through community-oriented policing, emphasizing that empowering local security forces would foster safer communities and drive development.

The call for state police by the Southern Governors Forum underscores a growing consensus among regional leaders on the imperative for decentralized security control as a strategic step towards addressing the nation’s security challenges effectively.