Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu kingdom in Ogun State, has expressed his opposition to the establishment of State Police, citing concerns about potential abuse of power and human rights violations. Instead, he advocates for the reform and strengthening of the existing police force.
Speaking at his birthday ceremony in Abeokuta, Oba Akinyemi warned that state governors might exploit state police for political or personal gain, leading to intimidation and victimization of opposition party members.
He emphasized the need for transparency, equity, accountability, and zero corruption in policing, which he believes is lacking in Nigeria.
The traditional ruler suggested that the existing police force should be adequately equipped, funded, and motivated to effectively combat insecurity and criminal activities.
He also called on the President to engage in dialogue with Yoruba nation agitators and IPOB, ensuring inclusivity in his administration’s policies and programs.
Oba Akinyemi stressed the importance of stable electricity and modern technology in effective policing, rather than decentralizing police forces to states.
He urged the President to prioritize strengthening the existing police force before considering decentralization.
“I want to tell you categorically that Nigeria is not ripe for state police because when you see it in the US, you will know that it is policing that has to do with transparency, equity, accountability, and zero corruption, but in Nigeria today, if you are an APC member and the governor is PDP, the police will act according to the instructions of the governor where they will be victimizing those in the opposition party.”
“So, I think we still need to practice democracy more even before we talk about police, let them give us stable electricity because we are in a computer age, nobody goes around and starts stopping vehicles to detect criminals.”
“The President should look into giving adequate equipment, finance, and insurance to the existing police before decentralizing it to the states.”
“The most important thing is the rules of engagement where President Tinubu will tell them (agitators) the workings of his manifestos and they will understand that he meant good for the country and South-West in particular.”, the monarch said.
