Following the National Assembly’s advancement of the executive bill to create state police, many Nigerians who previously championed decentralized security have begun expressing doubts. Critics, ranging from activists to political opponents, now appear hesitant, suggesting a need for broad national consultations. This reaction reflects a stalling tactic, mirroring past resistance to structural reforms and tax policy changes. Despite claims of caution, the decades-long debate indicates that the country is well-prepared to implement such changes without causing significant instability.
The proposed legislation is not mandatory; it merely empowers states that wish to adopt their own police force to do so constitutionally. The opposition often frames progress as a zero-sum game, where one state’s advancement is viewed as a disadvantage to others. This mindset echoes historical instances, such as the 1984 cancellation of the Lagos metro line, where federal authorities blocked local development to prevent regional disparities. Such obstructionist behavior serves only to prioritize political control over national progress.
Critics, including figures like Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and Usman Yusuf, frequently blame the current administration for security issues while ignoring the deep-seated corruption and leadership failures within the northern elite that have exacerbated banditry and terrorism. These voices prioritize political grievances over actionable solutions. While they accuse President Bola Tinubu of opportunism, they simultaneously criticize his policy speed, revealing an underlying desire to undermine his leadership rather than engage in substantive policy debate. The recurring opposition from these factions suggests a personal vendetta against the current administration rather than a genuine concern for public safety.
