The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has warned that the creation of state police without proper constitutional safeguards could empower governors to intimidate political opponents and trample on the rights of citizens.
The lawmaker gave this warning in Abuja while speaking as a panellist at the “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security” conference organised by Arise News TV and This Day Newspaper.
Addressing policymakers, security experts, public office holders and other stakeholders, Akpoti-Uduaghan said, although the establishment of state police has remained a recurring subject of national discourse, its implementation must not create opportunities for political intimidation or executive overreach at the sub-national level.
She stressed that without adequate constitutional safeguards and institutional independence, state police could be weaponised against political opponents and ordinary citizens by state governments.
“State police should never become an instrument of political oppression or executive intimidation. We must build a policing system that serves the people, protects democracy and remains accountable to the rule of law,” she said.
On funding, the Kogi Central lawmaker said the federal government must develop a transparent and sustainable funding mechanism to guarantee operational efficiency, intelligence gathering, personnel welfare, training, and modern security infrastructure across the states.
“Funding is one of the most important aspects the federal government must address. Without adequate and sustainable financing, state police will struggle to deliver on their constitutional responsibilities,” she stated.
The senator also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for measures taken to strengthen national security, while praising the Inspector-General of Police for what she described as prompt responses to emerging security challenges across the country.
“I commend Mr President and the current Inspector-General of Police for their prompt responses and decisive actions on security issues. Such responsiveness strengthens public confidence and reinforces our collective commitment to securing Nigeria,” she added.
