State Police Must Not Be Under FG’s Grip, Afenifere Warns NASS

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has called on the National Assembly to amend sections of the proposed State Police Bill that it believes could place state police under excessive federal control.

The group, however, applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for transmitting the bill to the National Assembly and commended lawmakers for working toward its quick passage.

Afenifere’s position was contained in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, after a caucus meeting at the Akure home of the organisation’s leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

The group also urged the National Assembly and state legislatures to move policing to the Concurrent Legislative List to ensure true autonomy for state police structures.

According to Ajayi, some provisions in the bill appear to undermine the independence of state police.

“There are some areas in the Bill that need to be reviewed, especially areas that tend to make the proposed State Police appendages of the federal government,” he stated.

“In other words, there are clauses in the Bill that tend to strengthen the stronghold of the federal government on state police rather than liberalising it.”

Afenifere also expressed concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State about 50 days ago.

“It’s about 50 days now that the incident in Oriire occurred. It is a big pity that the victims have not been rescued,” the group lamented.

“We feel highly disturbed that these innocent Nigerians are going through avoidable trauma. Actions must be expedited to get them out of the den of the bandits as quickly as possible.”

The organisation urged governors in Yoruba-speaking states, including Kogi and Kwara, to adopt stronger measures against insecurity disrupting movement across parts of the region.

It further appealed to politicians to conduct campaigns peacefully and avoid violence and political thuggery.

“Electioneering should be devoid of violence,” the statement said while condemning incidents that reportedly led to loss of lives.

Afenifere praised Nigerian troops for their efforts in combating insecurity and sympathised with security personnel and families affected by attacks.

The group recommended improved welfare packages, better equipment and stronger morale for security agencies, alongside both kinetic and non-kinetic security strategies.

It also urged the government and military authorities to investigate individuals and groups collaborating with criminal elements.

“Such searchlight should also be beamed on local communities as there are collaborators among them,” the statement noted.

“Sponsors of illegal mining should also be profiled, as there seem to be allegations that people are being forced out of their lands only for mining to take place almost immediately after the people were displaced by bandits.”

Reaffirming its longstanding advocacy for restructuring, Afenifere said the policy remains crucial to Nigeria’s development and urged President Tinubu to intensify efforts toward its implementation.

“We believe that restructuring will greatly assist and hasten the realization of this noble objective,” the group stated.

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