Chinedum Treasure
The Labour Party (LP) senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, Ven. Tochukwu Ikezue has described State Police as welcome and long-overdue development capable of strengthening federalism and improving grassroots security across the country.
Ikezue, who spoke with journalists in Awka at the weekend said Nigeria could no longer continue to rely solely on a centralised policing system in the face of rising insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry and communal clashes.
He however advised that its implementation should commence after the 2027 general election, arguing that doing so could expose the new security structure to political abuse.
According to him, the period before the election should be used for proper legislative work, public sensitisation and the establishment of effective checks and balances to ensure that states fully understand the operational and economic implications of State Police.
Ikezue also expressed concern that an immediate implementation, coming only months before the general election, could create opportunities for some governors to use State Police against perceived political opponents, opposition candidates and dissenting voices.
He said the possibility of political interference was too high, particularly in an election year.
“What we need now is a level playing field for all political parties and candidates in 2027. We cannot introduce a security architecture that will become a political tool in the hands of desperate incumbents,” he said.
The Senatorial hopeful therefore called on the National Assembly to continue with the constitutional amendment process but peg the effective take-off of State Police to a date after May 29, 2027, when the general election would have been concluded.
He said the arrangement would give relevant stakeholders enough time to put the necessary safeguards in place and ensure that State Police, when implemented, would serve the interest of the people rather than become an instrument for political intimidation.
He stressed that his position was not against State Police, but aimed at ensuring that the proposed security structure was introduced under conditions that would guarantee public confidence, political neutrality and effective accountability.
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