The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has called for the postponement for the implementation of the State Police until after next year’s elections.
In a statement, obi expressed fears that the process may be abused within the polity, while emphasising the need first to address the process’s alleged disorganisation.
Obi’s comment follows the recent passing of the State Police Bill in the Senate which marks a significant legislative milestone in addressing a long-standing demand for additional security architecture in tackling insecurity nationwide.
He argued that the process should involve greater community participation at the local government and community levels stressing that the mechanism for passing the law appears highly disorganised, with no public hearing on such a sensitive issue.
The former Anambra state governor said the law must not only permit states to establish police forces but also clearly provide for independent oversight bodies, such as a state-level Police Service Commission that is entirely free from executive influence, to ensure that policing serves the public interest rather than the interests of the ruling elite.
