Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called for a robust, transparent and accountable policing system in the country.
Akpiabio said this on Monday in Abuja at the National Dialogue on Security and State Police.
He said the presence of President Bola Tinubu underscored its importance,and government’s commitment to reform and strengthen the security architecture of Nigeria adding that issue of state police was complex matter with no easy answers.
He, however, said the national dialogue presents opportunity for citizens to engage, make inputs and forge a path towards a more secure Nigeria.
“Let us listen to one another, learn from one another and work together to find a common ground.
“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 and empower them to serve and protect, without fear or favour.
“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 enforce 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 or witch-hunting.
“Let us ensure that political powers do not 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.”
He urged participants to embrace the 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 our collective well-being.”
