State Police’ll Strengthen Grassroots Security, Deepen Federalism, AKK Hails Tinubu

A former governorship aspirant in Oyo State under the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem, popularly known as AKK, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for the passage of the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish State Police.

Kareem described the development as a landmark step towards strengthening grassroots security and advancing true federalism in the country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the APC chieftain said the decentralisation of Nigeria’s security architecture had become an urgent necessity, noting that a nation as large and diverse as Nigeria could no longer depend solely on a centrally controlled policing system.

He said, “The establishment of State Police is no longer a matter for political debate; it is an existential necessity for the protection of our communities and the advancement of our democratic ideals.”

Kareem cited recent incidents of insecurity, including the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso and recurring attacks in the Ibarapa axis, as evidence of the limitations of the current policing structure.

According to him, delayed responses and inadequate local intelligence have continued to expose rural communities to criminal activities.

He noted that constitutional recognition for State Police would strengthen existing community security initiatives such as Amotekun by providing legal backing, adequate funding and improved operational capacity.

“Indigenous personnel who understand the local terrain, language and culture are better positioned to gather intelligence and respond swiftly to security threats,” he added.

The former governorship aspirant, however, acknowledged concerns over the possible abuse of State Police by state governments but expressed confidence in the safeguards contained in the proposed legislation.

He said the oversight role of the National Police Council and constitutional provisions against political intimidation would ensure accountability and professionalism.

“State power must serve as a shield for the protection of lives and property and not as an instrument of political vendetta,” he said.

Kareem also urged the Oyo State House of Assembly and other state legislatures to expedite the ratification process to enable the President to assent to the bill without delay.

He maintained that security remained the foundation for agricultural development, educational advancement and economic growth.

“We cannot talk about mechanised farming, foreign investment or quality education when our farmers cannot access their lands and our children cannot learn in safety. The time to domesticate our security architecture is now,” he stated.