By Ola kay
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, has criticized the push for the establishment of State controlled Police, arguing that Nigeria was not ripe for the change.
At a one-day dialogue on state policing, which came under the theme, ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria’ on Monday, Egbetokun made the declaration, warning that the idea could heighten ethnic tension, leading to divided loyalty in the states of the federation.
Egbetokun who was represented by AIG Ben Okolo, stated at the event organised by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, that,”“On the issue of state police, it is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that Nigeria is not yet mature and ready for the establishment of state-controlled police.”
The IG also expressed concern over the likelihood of multiple command structures in the states, with the establishment of state police, apart from the concern that governors in the various states may abuse the privilege of state policing by using it for political gains, which he observed could result in abuse of power and the abuse of human rights and that of the jurisdiction.
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