*Ask For Understudying Of US FBI, Model To Suite Nigeria’s Peculiarity
*Wants A Society Where Citizens Feel Safe Regardless of Social Status
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has declared that Nigeria needs a state Police that would be free from “the shackles of politics, religious extremism, tribalism, and ethnicism.”
Akpabio, at the national dialogue on security and state police organized by the House of Representatives on Monday in Abuja, also called for the empowerment of the proposed state police to serve and protect without fear or favour.
At the meeting attended by the President, Bola Tinubu, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, principal officers of the House of Representatives, among other dignitaries, the Senate President called for caution to prevent an abuse of the process.
He said, “As we consider this proposition, let us draw inspiration from the United States of America, a nation that has successfully implemented a system of state and federal policing. Let us learn from their experiences and adapt their models to suit our unique socio-political context.
“Let us ensure that our state police forces work in harmony with their federal counterparts, collaborating to fight crime, preserve peace, and safeguard our democracy. In the USA, the FBI, the federal police body enforces federal laws and the state police departments enforce state laws.
“The FBI also investigates inter-state crimes. We must draw the lines because to have functional state police we must have a strong federal police.
“But let us never forget that the power of the state police should never be used as a tool of oppression or witch-hunting. Let us ensure that political powers do not manipulate the state police to silence dissent or target their enemies.
Let us ensure that the influential do not exert undue influence over the state police, and that justice is blind to wealth, power, politics, or status. Let us build a system that is fair, just, and equitable for all.”
Senator Akpabio added “In the face of insecurity, adversity and uncertainty, it is our duty to see above the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. It is our duty to be the architects of change, the catalysts for progress, and the guardians of hope.
“Today, we stand at a crossroad of history, where the decisions we make will shape the destiny of our nation. Today, we are conferred with the power to transform our security architecture and create a Nigeria where every citizen feels safe and protected, regardless of his or her status, religion, tribe, location or background.
As a regular Joe, and a man of the people, I stand before you today, inspired by the resilience and determination of our people. I stand before you today, inspired by the courage and sacrifices of our security forces and law enforcement agents in the face of monstrous insecurity.”
While insisting on the need to chart a new path towards a brighter, greater and safer future for all Nigerians, the Senate President urged “In working out modalities for the state police and the security of our nation, we must not forget that security is not a privilege, but a fundamental right of every Nigerian.
“It is our duty to ensure that this right is upheld, that justice is served, and that the rule of law prevails. We must build a security architecture that is robust, transparent, and accountable.
“Therefore, in this hallowed hall, let us embrace this dialogue as an opportunity for unity, understanding, and collaboration. Let us rise above our differences and work towards a common goal – a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Let us use our collective efforts to build a nation that can withstand the challenges that lie ahead, a nation that can combat the monster of insecurity that currently threatens our collective well-being.”
“Today, we gather here not just as politicians, lawmakers, technocrats or bureaucrats, but as guardians of our great nation, holders of our nation’s sacred trust, and protectors of our posterity.
“With fidelity to these roles, we gather here today to discuss a matter of utmost importance – the security and safety of our beloved country. We gather here today to deliberate on the way forward, to explore new horizons, and to chart a path towards a brighter, greater and safer future for all Nigerians,” he explained.
He expressed confidence that the administration has what it takes to overcome the current challenges and to build a strong, United and secured nation.
Continuing, the Senate President commended the President Tinubu led government for “rearranging the sails,” adding that “this is exactly what he has done in agreeing that modalities should be worked out for us to have state police. A pessimist whines about the wind; the optimist hopes for a change; the realist rearranges his sails.
Together, let us pave the way for a brighter and safer future for all Nigerians. Together, let us be the change that we want to see. Together, let us build a Nigeria that we can all be proud of.”
