From Oluseye Ojo
The Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, has said the current centralised policing structure in the country has become overstretched and ineffective.
He made the observation at a Legislative Dialogue on Nigeria’s Security Architecture, themed ‘Nigeria’s Peace and Security: The Constitutional Imperatives’, held in Abuja.
Ogundoyin noted that the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies have made commendable sacrifices in securing the nation. But he said the centralised policing structure is no longer adequate to meet the security demands of the country.
His words: “It is now evident that the centralised policing structure, no matter how well-intentioned, has become overstretched.”
Ogundoyin enjoined lawmakers and stakeholders to embrace state police as a constitutional imperative. He asserted that it is not merely a political move but a patriotic and strategic necessity.
He also acknowledged concerns regarding potential misuse, jurisdictional conflicts, and operational capacity.
He, however, reassured stakeholders that the challenges could be addressed through legislative clarity, independent oversight mechanisms, and well-defined frameworks for inter-agency collaboration.
Ogundoyin, who emphasised the need for a national security overhaul, noted the devastating impact of insecurity nationwide.
The Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly listed widespread challenges plaguing Nigeria, including insurgency in the North East, banditry and kidnappings in the North, as well as herder-farmer clashes in the South, which have been threatening food security.
According to him, “As Presiding Officers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, we are first-hand witnesses to the alarming toll that insecurity continues to exact on lives, livelihoods, and governance.
“This dialogue is therefore an opportunity to align our legislative priorities with the realities faced by our people, ensuring that the constitution and legal frameworks governing security evolve to meet present and future challenges.
“The Conference of Speakers stands fully committed to supporting this vision. We are ready to play our part in ushering in a new era of constitutional clarity and national security reforms. We owe this to our people. We owe it to Nigeria, and we owe it to the next generation.”
He also emphasised the need for enhanced intelligence sharing and inter-agency coordination, improved funding, training, and welfare for security personnel, as well as a stronger legal framework to address emerging threats, such as cybercrimes and transnational terrorism.
Security reform, he stated, is a constitutional necessity as he urged lawmakers to prioritise legislative action towards reshaping Nigeria’s security framework for the benefit of current and future generations.
“May the souls of all Nigerians who have lost their lives needlessly to insecurity rest in perfect peace,” Ogundoyin prayed.