The lawmaker representing Ibadan North I State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Olufunke Comforter Adeniyi-Olajide, has renewed calls for the establishment of State Police as a strategic solution to the worsening security situation across Nigeria.
Hon. Comforter Olajide made the call while contributing to a motion on the urgent need for enhanced security surveillance and proactive measures to curb criminal activities across Oyo State brought before the House by Hon. Dawood Olalere.
Speaking passionately on the floor of the House, Hon. Comforter lamented the growing wave of insecurity across the country, noting that incidents of kidnapping, banditry, armed attacks, and other violent crimes have continued to threaten lives, livelihoods, and social stability in many parts of Nigeria.
In an emotional moment that moved many members of the House, Hon. Comforter, who referenced the abduction of teachers and school children in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, broke down in tears.
While expressing deep concern over the possible conditions under which the victims may be living in captivity, Hon. Comforter said the thought of innocent school children and their teachers being subjected to torture and hardship in the kidnappers’ den was heartbreaking and unacceptable.
“TODAY IT’S THEM, OUR CHILDREN AND THEIR TEACHERS; TOMORROW, WHO CAN TELL WHO WILL BE NEXT? FEAR IS GROWING QUICKLY LIKE A STORY WE KNOW TOO WELL, (IKÚ TÍ ÑPOJÚGBÀ ENI, ÒWE ÑLÁ LÓ ÑPA FÚN NI” she lamented.
The lawmaker urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the proposed constitutional amendment that would pave the way for the establishment of State Police, describing it as a critical and long-overdue measure capable of strengthening security architecture at the grassroots level.
According to her, the current security challenges confronting the nation require a more decentralized policing system that will empower sub-national governments to effectively tackle emerging threats within their respective jurisdictions.
She argued that State Police would enhance local intelligence gathering, improve community policing initiatives, facilitate faster responses to security breaches, and provide security agencies with better knowledge of local terrains and peculiar security dynamics.
Further emphasizing the urgency of State Police, Hon. Comforter Olajide noted that the National Assembly must take immediate steps to conclude legislative processes on the proposed constitutional amendment, considering the overwhelming support it has already received across the country.
According to her, Nigeria operates a federal system with 36 states, and where two-thirds of the states support a particular constitutional amendment, such a position deserves serious and expedited legislative consideration.
She observed that no fewer than 33 states of the federation have openly expressed support for the establishment of State Police, adding that the Presidency itself has repeatedly endorsed the proposal as a necessary response to the country’s growing security challenges.
“This is a wake-up call to the National Assembly. Thirty-three states have spoken in support of State Police, and even the President has advocated for it on several occasions. The time has come for the National Assembly to sit on this matter and ensure that the necessary constitutional amendments are passed without further delay,” she said.
Hon. Comforter argued that the current security realities demand urgent action, stressing that the increasing incidents of kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and attacks on vulnerable communities have made the establishment of State Police a national necessity rather than a political debate.
She further recalled that the 10th National Assembly had demonstrated its capacity to act swiftly on issues it considered important, citing the speedy consideration and passage of the National Anthem Bill and the Tax Reform Bills.
“IF WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COULD SPONSOR, CONSIDER AND PASS BILLS RELATING TO THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AND TAX REFORMS, THEN A MATTER THAT DIRECTLY CONCERNS THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN, TEACHERS AND INNOCENT CITIZENS SHOULD RECEIVE EVEN GREATER URGENCY,” she stated.
The lawmaker maintained that the lives and security of Nigerians must remain paramount, urging federal lawmakers to grant the request of the majority of states and fast-track legislative action on State Police in the interest of national security and public safety.
Hon. Comforter Olajide stressed that the increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry and violent crimes across several states have further justified the growing nationwide demand for State Police, adding that legal backing and constitutional amendments have become necessary to accommodate sub-national policing structures capable of complementing the efforts of existing federal security agencies.
She further hinted that the worsening security situation across the country has raised serious concerns about the ability of ordinary citizens to protect themselves, suggesting that discussions may need to be initiated on appropriate legal frameworks that would enable responsible citizens to own and carry guns to defend themselves against criminal attacks where necessary and within the confines of the law.
Speaking further on the issue of criminality and accountability, Hon. Comforter said it was appalling that bandits who are determined to kill and destroy lives are often given opportunities for dialogue and repentance while innocent citizens continue to suffer.
“It is appalling to see that bandits that are all out to kill and destroy are being given fair hearing and opportunity of repentance. Making matters worse, they believe that no matter what, they are on the winning side,” she opined.
“Those who deliberately engage in the killing and destruction of innocent lives should face the full weight of the law without leniency. The safety and security of law-abiding citizens must always take precedence, and justice must be seen to be served,” she said.
While acknowledging the enormity of the security challenges confronting the nation, Hon. Comforter commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the sustained efforts and proactive measures being taken by his administration toward securing the release of the abducted teachers and students.
She praised the Governor’s commitment to the safety of residents and his continued engagement with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the victims.
