Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has advocated for a decentralised police system, stressing that Nigeria’s security challenges require a more professional and ethical approach.
Bamidele made this call during the University of Ilorin’s annual distinguished Personality Lecture, organised by the Department of Political Science. He emphasised that recruiting more officers would not solve the country’s problems.
“The numerous problems of the Nigerian Police are well known. However, simply recruiting more officers will not solve the problem. Nigeria needs an ethical and highly professional Police system that respects and protects civil rights.”
Bamidele urged establishing state police forces, with proper control mechanisms, to mitigate security challenges. He acknowledged potential risks, including abuse of power by state governors, but stressed the need for robust oversight mechanisms.
The senator called for broad consensus and collaboration among federal, state, and local governments and stakeholders to ensure a transparent and inclusive transition to state policing.
The lecture was attended by dignitaries, including senators and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin. The department plans to organise a two-day roundtable to further deliberate on the topic.
Bamidele urged stakeholders to participate in the discourse, emphasizing the need for a transformative shift in Nigeria’s security landscape.
