Gov. Abiodun Seeks Judicial, Funding Reforms as State Police Bill Gains Momentum
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called for comprehensive judicial, fiscal and institutional reforms to ensure the successful implementation of the proposed State Police system, stressing that the initiative must be backed by strong legal and financial frameworks.
Speaking at the THISDAY/ARISE TV Town Hall Meeting on the State Police Bill, Governor Abiodun said the creation of state police should not merely focus on establishing new security structures but must address critical issues that would guarantee its sustainability and effectiveness.
The Governor described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a committed federalist whose support for the devolution of policing powers aligns with his long-standing advocacy for true Federalism in Nigeria.
According to him, history would remember President Tinubu favourably for demonstrating the political will to decentralise policing in the country. He noted that elder statesman, Olusegun Osoba, and Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, had both attested to the President’s Federalist credentials.
Abiodun, however, emphasised that the ongoing legislative process must address fundamental concerns regarding the performance of the existing Nigeria Police Force and establish clear mechanisms through which federal and state police systems can complement each other.
He explained that a more effective state policing structure would likely result in increased arrests and prosecutions, making judicial reforms essential to ensure speedy trials and timely dispensation of justice.
The Governor proposed that lawmakers consider the establishment of State Courts of Appeal to handle matters such as land disputes and other cases that often congest the nation’s appellate courts.
He also urged policymakers to address the underlying causes of insecurity, particularly the persistent farmers-herders conflicts that have contributed to food shortages and threatened agricultural productivity across several parts of the Country.
According to him, resolving these issues would significantly reduce pressure on law enforcement agencies while fostering peace and economic stability.
On funding, Abiodun warned that disparities in states’ revenue-generating capacities could hinder the effectiveness of State Police if not adequately addressed.
Using Ogun State as an example, he noted that despite being one of Nigeria’s leading industrial and fastest-growing economies, the state receives relatively low allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The Governor advocated an equitable funding model that combines internally generated revenue and federal allocations to ensure all States have the financial capacity to establish and sustain efficient Police services.
To strengthen accountability, Abiodun also proposed the establishment of independent Police Complaints Commissions at both Federal and State levels to prevent abuse of power and promote transparency.
He further welcomed suggestions to expand the membership of the National Police Council to include the leadership of the National Assembly alongside state governors and supported fixed tenures for State Commissioners of Police to shield them from undue political interference.
Commending THISDAY and ARISE Television for organising the town hall meeting, the governor described public engagement as essential to developing a State Police law that reflects the aspirations and concerns of Nigerians.
He expressed confidence that continued consultations in the coming weeks would enable lawmakers to produce a robust legal framework capable of strengthening national security and deepening Nigeria’s Federal system.
