Opinion: Governors’ Misuse of Power Threatens Nigeria’s Path to State Polic
By: Bolaji Olabode
Time and again, the actions and inactions of Nigerian state governors have cast a long shadow over the prospect of establishing state police, raising serious doubts about their ability to wield such power without politicizing it or using it as a tool for vendetta. The ongoing debate about state police, a critical response to Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, is repeatedly undermined by governors who demonstrate a troubling penchant for abusing authority. This pattern not only stalls progress toward a decentralized policing system but also jeopardizes the hope of addressing insecurity through localized solutions.
The case of Osun State exemplifies this concern. The Amotekun Corps—a regional security outfit and a precursor to state police—is used to target opposition members. Disturbing reports of ‘kidnapping’ people from their homes for merely criticizing the government underscore a broader issue: governors’ tendency to weaponize state-backed security against rivals.
The push for state police is rooted in the undeniable truth that security is local. Nigeria’s centralized police force, overstretched and slowed by bureaucratic approvals from Abuja, struggles to address localized threats like banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. With 35 out of 36 states and President Bola Tinubu supporting state police, and a bill before the National Assembly, the momentum is clear. Yet, incidents like those in Osun prompt caution. When advocates for state police, including opposition parties, become targets of alleged misuse—as seen in Osun—common sense dictates a tactical retreat. Why entrust governors with more power when they misuse what they already have?
The question looms: for how long will governors continue to prove themselves incapable of handling power responsibly? The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, opposes state police, citing risks of abuse and constitutional barriers. I had thought it was because he feared his powers would be diminished, but his concerns are not baseless. Without robust safeguards, state police could become a governor’s private militia, silencing dissent and rigging elections. If this trend persists, the actualization of state police may remain a distant dream, leaving Nigeria’s security crisis unresolved.
Governors must stop using state power to silence the opposition. To move forward, Nigeria needs a state police framework with ironclad checks: independent oversight bodies, constitutional limits on governors’ control, and rigorous training to ensure impartiality. Models from other federal systems show this is possible. Without such measures, the promise of localized security will remain out of reach, and the cycle of insecurity will persist. It’s time for governors to prove they can prioritize the people’s safety over political vendettas—Nigeria’s future depends on it.
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Bolaji Olabode is a Public Analyst and an Educational Consultant. He writes in from Edunabon, Osun State.
