Akpoti-Uduaghan backs state police, warns against political abuse

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has backed the establishment of state police but warned that the proposed security structure must be adequately funded and protected from political interference.

Speaking on Thursday at the Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security conference organised by ARISE News and THISDAY Newspaper in Abuja, the lawmaker said the success of state policing would depend on sustainable financing, institutional independence and strong accountability mechanisms.

She cautioned that without constitutional safeguards, state police could be exploited by political office holders to intimidate opponents and suppress dissent.

“State police should never become an instrument of political oppression or executive intimidation. We must build a policing system that serves the people, protects democracy and remains accountable to the rule of law,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan identified funding as a major challenge that must be addressed before the creation of state police, warning that establishing new security institutions without reliable financial backing would weaken their effectiveness.

“Funding is one of the most important aspects the federal government must address. Without adequate and sustainable financing, state police will struggle to deliver on their constitutional responsibilities,” she said.

According to the senator, any funding model for state police should provide sufficient resources for personnel welfare, training, intelligence gathering, operational efficiency and the deployment of modern security infrastructure across the states.

She also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for what she described as their prompt response to security challenges.

“I commend Mr President and the current Inspector-General of Police for their prompt responses and decisive actions on security issues. Such responsiveness strengthens public confidence and reinforces our collective commitment to securing Nigeria,” she said.