In the face of recurring kidnapping and other forms of insecurity across the country, Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinnma, recently on a live TV programme, dismissed the clamour for state police as a needless agitation, saying that the majority of the states lacked the financial capacity to fund it. The governor’s comment has sparked reactions from many Nigerians. TEMILOLUWA AKINOLA and YUSUF ABDULKADIR sampled the opinions of some Nigerians on this matter. Their views:
Adeola Ogbe
Governor Uzodinma’s perspective on state police funding resonates with the financial realities faced by many subnational governments in Nigeria. The assertion that security is a costly endeavour aligns with the resource constraints experienced by states. Collaborative efforts between state and federal entities are crucial to effectively address security challenges. Additionally, Uzodinma’s emphasis on fiscal autonomy echoes the need for states to generate revenue independently for sustained development. While supporting his claims, it is important to acknowledge the complexities of achieving true federalism and the economic viability required for states to operate autonomously.
Yushau Abdulwasiu
The creation of state police is needless at this moment. Rather, maximum cooperation between federal and state governments is needed. Undoubtedly, no matter how small they are, no state is without the federal police. However, the issue of insecurity and kidnapping in the country is in the hands of Nigerians because when the federal police are unable to secure our lives and properties, would there be assurance that the state police would do that? For a state to have police, it takes a lot of things that most of the states cannot afford. However, the Federal Government and the states should re-strategise and increase the security of the nation to combat the challenges.
Governor Uzodinma’s dismissal of state governors funding state police has sparked a debate. Some argue that the centralised police system has failed to address insecurity effectively, advocating state police to tackle specific security needs. However, concerns about potential misuse by governors have been raised. Managing the challenges of insecurity, kidnapping, and Uzodinma’s comment requires careful consideration. A collaborative approach is needed to find a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Raji Usman
Nigeria practices the federal system of government. We have the central and the subordinate units that co-exist for the smooth running of the administration. What might have prompted Governor Uzodinma to say that state governors cannot fund state police is probably because each state relies on the Federal Government’s allocations. I partially agree with him when he said the federal and state governments could concurrently tackle the insecurity in Nigeria if proper measures are taken. On the other hand, the funding of state police cannot be overemphasised if the constitution of Nigeria could grant it. I urge and hope that the federal and state governments can work cooperatively to combat the menace of insecurity that is hampering the progress of the country.
Iyanuoluwa Adenuga
I could understand the frustration with Governor Uzodinma’s comment. It is concerning when there is a lack of funding for state police, especially in the face of rising kidnapping and insecurity issues. The government must prioritise the safety of its citizens and allocate adequate resources to combat these challenges effectively. Hopefully, there could be further discussions and actions taken to address this issue and ensure the wellbeing of the people.
Arowolo Adam
The safety of life and property is a fundamental right of every Nigerian citizen. So, the governors in their respective states are expected to protect everyone residing in their states. Governor Uzodinma’s comment that governors cannot fund state police might be true because the allocations received by each state from the Federal Government are not equal and that of some states may not be enough to fund the police. However, each state governor must create an alternative security measure that would require a low budget, ensuring that everyone residing in their state is protected. Example is how the Southwest governors created Amotekun to combat insecurity in their region.
Olola Kerekan’na
First, the rate of kidnapping and insecurity in the states is alarming. The lives of citizens cannot be solely protected by the Federal Government. The response from the governor is unacceptable because each state has sources of revenues and receives funds from the Federal Government. A significant amount of these funds should be pumped into their security system. On a final note, each state is wealthy enough to have its police only if it is ready to take the initiative.
Iyanuoluwa Ivan
I could understand the concerns surrounding kidnapping and insecurity. They are complex issues and funding state police is one of the ways of addressing these challenges. State governors have various responsibilities and limited resources. So, it is important to consider the overall impact and feasibility of such decisions. Ultimately, the safety and security of the people should be a top priority, and finding effective solutions requires collaboration and careful consideration of all perspectives.
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