Senate approval of state police a historic milestone — Oyintiloye

By Shina Abubakar

OSOGBO — A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has hailed the Senate’s approval of the establishment of state police, describing it as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s quest for a more effective, responsive and community-oriented security architecture.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Thursday, Oyintiloye expressed delight that a cause he had championed for many years had finally become a reality under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former lawmaker recalled that he had consistently advocated the establishment of state police as a practical solution to Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

He said the country must embrace a multi-layered security structure, including initiatives such as Forest Guards and Highway Marshals, to complement policing efforts across the states.

Oyintiloye noted that one of his notable public interventions on the issue was published in a national newspaper on February 25, 2018, where he strongly advocated a decentralised policing system capable of addressing peculiar security challenges nationwide.

According to him, the Senate’s approval vindicates years of advocacy by security experts, public policy stakeholders and concerned Nigerians who recognised the limitations of a highly centralised policing structure.

He argued that state police would strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response to security threats, deepen community policing, create employment opportunities and empower law enforcement agencies to better understand and address local security concerns.

Oyintiloye stressed that the new policing structure must be technology-driven and community-oriented to achieve its objectives.

He called for the deployment of modern security tools, including CCTV cameras, drones, digital communication systems and crime databases, to support personnel recruited into the state police system.

He also advocated a robust community policing framework that integrates traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders into intelligence-sharing networks.

“Security is most effective when it is locally driven, intelligence-led and supported by the people,” he said, adding that initiatives such as Amotekun Corps have demonstrated the value of community participation in maintaining security.

“For years, I have remained a vocal advocate of state police because I firmly believe that Nigeria’s evolving security realities require a more localised approach.

“Today, I am delighted that this long-held dream for our dear nation has become a reality under the courageous and visionary leadership of the President,” he said.

Oyintiloye commended President Tinubu for demonstrating courage, foresight and statesmanship in supporting what he described as a difficult but necessary reform.

He also praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio, members of the National Assembly, state governors, traditional rulers, security experts and other stakeholders for their roles in advancing the initiative.

“This historic accomplishment demonstrates what can be achieved when leaders place national interest above every other consideration.

“The approval of state police is not merely a legislative victory; it is a victory for every Nigerian who desires a safer, more peaceful and more secure nation.

“It is also another testament to President Tinubu’s determination to confront longstanding national challenges with bold and innovative solutions,” he said.

Oyintiloye urged stakeholders to ensure that the implementation framework for state police is guided by professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and strict adherence to the rule of law.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, curb criminality, promote peace and stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth and national development.

He congratulated the President, the National Assembly and Nigerians on what he described as a defining moment in the country’s democratic journey and security evolution.

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