IPOB argued that creating state police will give govs opportunity to provide a safe haven for criminals and terrorists in their states
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has reacted to the move to create state police in Nigeria.
This follows Federal government’s admission that it was considering the idea as a way of combating worsening insecurity after a meeting with stakeholders.
Reacting to the plan via a statement signed and made available to journalists by IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group faulted the idea, saying regional policing remains the answer to insecurity.
It went on to argue that creating state police will provide an opportunity for governors to provide a safe haven for criminals and terrorists in their states.
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Addressing the matter, IPOB said: “Following the recent move to establish State Police in the country by the Federal Government of Nigeria, we the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great and indefatigable leader, Nnamdi Kanu calls it an effort in futility.
“Nevertheless, IPOB supports the creation of Regional Police as against State Police.
“An APC led federal government’s proposal to establish State Police is a strategy to capture all states into one APC party. It is not meant to curtail insecurity and insurgency in the country. Nigerians should “shine their eyes.”
“If Tinubu’s government is sincere to curtail insecurity and insurgency ravaging the country, they should establish Regional Police not State Police.
“No state government can handle insecurity alone without the support of their neighboring states. Moreso, creating state police will provide an opportunity for pro-terrorist governors to provide a safe haven for criminals and terrorists in their states.
“But a Regional Police command can forestall such a situation. Finally, many governors in Nigeria today are tyrants even without full authority over the security forces. You can imagine what they will do if they have authority over murderous and corrupt Security Forces like the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Assembly have the constitutional right to establish Regional Police Commands if they so wish.
“Since the constitution recognizes six regions in Nigeria, then such regions should be empowered by law to establish police commands.
“Such Regional Police Command should comprise indigenous officers from the region, and they should report to the Governance Structure of that Region, which includes the governors’ forum and other stakeholders and leaders in the region.”