By Ochuko Akuopha, Asaba
Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has described President Bola Tinubu’s push for the establishment of state police as a bold step towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and deepening the devolution of powers to the states.
Okowa said the campaign for state police dates back to 2000, noting that previous administrations had been reluctant to pursue the reform.
“The agitation for state police started as far back as the year 2000. No president had been bold enough to allow the devolution of power. But this president is bold enough to say that this is the best way to ensure that we are able to secure the land,” he said.
Speaking on Friday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta North Stakeholders’ Meeting in Asaba, Okowa argued that state police would better position governors to tackle insecurity in their respective states.
The meeting also endorsed President Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for second terms in the 2027 general elections.
The motion for the endorsement was moved by the APC House of Representatives candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, and seconded by Mr. Frank Esenwa. It was unanimously adopted by stakeholders.
Okowa stressed that the proposed state police system would complement, rather than replace, the Nigeria Police Force.
“We are not talking about ending the federal police. Let each state have its own police, committed to its people, properly trained, properly armed and dedicated to securing the land,” he said.
According to the former governor, Nigeria requires leaders who are prepared to take difficult decisions in the national interest.
“We want a president who is able to take bold decisions that will secure today and the future. The lives of Nigerians matter more than what is politically correct,” he added.
Also speaking, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, called for unity and cohesion within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged party members to reconcile with aggrieved aspirants who lost out during the party’s primaries and encourage them to work for the party’s success.
Onyeme also commended President Tinubu for supporting the state police initiative.
“We need state police because the federal police cannot reach all the nooks and crannies. Today, it is becoming a reality. Who made that possible? President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
The Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Areyenka, and the party’s Delta North Chairman, Mr. Dan Ossai, also urged members to remain united and work diligently to ensure the party’s success in the 2027 general elections.
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