Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka Abuja
Former Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Lawrence Eko Alobi, has thrown his weight behind the proposed bill for the establishment of State Police in Nigeria. However, he has also advised the Federal Government to consider setting up a Police Trust Fund to support states that may struggle to fund their police forces.
Speaking in an interview with some journalists in his office, Alobi, who is the Principal Partner at Lawrence Alobi & Co and Managing Director/CEO of Hi-Tech Security Services and Training Limited, expressed his views on the proposed bill.
“I believe societies normally evolve, and as society evolves, some dynamics also come up,” Alobi said when asked about his position on the bill for State Police. “In my opinion, the establishment of State Police could be a step in the right direction, but it’s crucial to ensure that the funding model is robust and sustainable.”
Alobi’s proposal for a Police Trust Fund aims to address the concern that some states may not be able to fund their police forces adequately. “Some states may struggle to sponsor their police forces, so I think it’s essential to establish a Police Trust Fund to support them,” he explained.
As the debate on State Police continues, Alobi’s contribution provides a valuable perspective from a seasoned security expert. His proposal for a Police Trust Fund highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to policing in Nigeria, taking into account the varying capacities of different states.
The public hearings on the Constitution Review bill, including the proposal for State Police, have generated significant interest and debate across the country. Alobi’s views will likely contribute to the ongoing discussion on the best way to structure policing in Nigeria.
