Following the unabated insecurity that has continued to overwhelm the country, Sixteen state governors have so far submitted reports expressing their support for establishing of state police to the National Economic Council, NEC. This was revealed yesterday in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha. The said reports were received during the 140th NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the state House Villa, Abuja.
Nkwocha disclosed that Secretary to NEC, Nebeolisa Anako, made a presentation on submissions of the states on the state police initiative.
Meanwhile, as a prelude, the governors noted that changes to the constitution may be necessary to allow for the creation of state police.
Although, Anako did not reveal any details or specific of states that made the said submissions.
However, the spokesperson to the Vice President’s while assuring that while “the compilation is still going on” the total number would be presented at the next NEC meeting.
Recall that during February, governors of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had on reiterated their position on state policing as the solution to the country’s worsening security situation, describing Nigeria as “almost on the road to Venezuela”.
Similarly, other regional socio-political groups such as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Middle Belt Forum, and the Northern Elders’ Forum, have repeatedly called for state police as a solution to the numerous of security challenges threatening the country.