Don’t turn state police into political weapon- Senator Natasha

…seeks safeguards, sustainable funding

John Alechenu

ABUJA – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has cautioned against deploying state police to intimidate political opponents or citizens, and urged the National Assembly to build strong constitutional safeguards into any law establishing such a force.
The Kogi Central Senator said this at a Conference with the theme: “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security,” organised by Arise News and ThisDay Newspaper in Abuja on Thursday.

She noted that  the push for decentralised policing was gaining ground, but the design must rule out abuse at the state level.

The federal lawmaker further stated that, “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.”

Natasha said money would make or mar the proposal. She argued that without a clear and reliable funding plan, state police formations would lack capacity to function.

“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 said.

She listed personnel welfare, training, intelligence gathering and modern equipment as areas any funding model must cover.

The Senator also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police for responding swiftly to security threats.

“I commend Mr President and the IGP for their prompt and decisive actions on security issues. That kind of responsiveness builds public confidence,” she said.

The conference was attended by ministers, security chiefs, civil society leaders, academics, and private-sector players who reviewed constitutional amendments, operational models, funding, and accountability for state policing.

Organisers said the resolutions would feed into the wider debate on how to strengthen security while protecting rights and democratic norms.

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