IBY
Peterside Rejoice
The Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Neda Imasuen, has reiterated the urgent need for the decentralization of Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that the Nigerian Police Force is overstretched and unable to effectively police the entire country.
Speaking on Wednesday during an empowerment programme for farmers across the seven local government areas of his constituency, Senator Imasuen stated that the current structure of policing in Nigeria is inadequate to meet the growing security demands of its citizens.
“As it stands, the Nigerian Police Force is overstretched and cannot cover every nook and cranny of the country,” the Senator said. “We must consider the establishment of state and local government police to complement federal efforts. State police would help us save our homes, streets, forests, and farmers.”
The lawmaker, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, argued that the creation of state and local policing units would enhance security presence at the grassroots level and foster quicker response to local threats, especially in rural and agrarian communities.
He made these remarks at the launch of a farming support initiative designed to boost food security and rural productivity. As part of the programme, Senator Imasuen distributed agricultural inputs, including cashew nuts, coconuts, okra, and ewedu seedlings to over 100 local farmers.
While addressing the beneficiaries, the Senator emphasized the importance of agriculture as a key driver of economic self-reliance and national development. He urged the farmers to take full advantage of the opportunity presented to them to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to the country’s food security.
“A nation that cannot feed itself is in distress,” he said. “We need to shift our mindset and think about what we can do to help our country grow. Agriculture remains one of the most powerful tools we have to fight poverty and hunger.”
Former Edo State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Orobosa Omo-Ojo, who was also present at the event, lauded Senator Imasuen’s efforts in empowering constituents and addressing the needs of the rural populace. He noted that several beneficiaries from his ward had already started utilizing the knowledge and resources gained from earlier empowerment efforts to improve their income and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
The call for state policing has continued to gather support among stakeholders and security experts, who argue that it would ensure more tailored and responsive security systems. However, debates around potential political misuse, funding, and training remain unresolved at the federal level.
Senator Imasuen’s advocacy adds a prominent voice to the growing national demand for security reform, as Nigeria continues to grapple with rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence across several regions.
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