Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has issued a warning regarding the potential for state police forces to be used as tools for political harassment. During an ARISE News and THISDAY conference in Abuja, the Kogi Central senator stressed that the National Assembly must integrate rigorous constitutional protections into any bills creating state-level law enforcement.
While acknowledging the rising support for decentralized policing, Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that the system must remain focused on protecting democratic values and serving citizens rather than acting as a means for executive intimidation. She insisted that legal accountability is essential to prevent abuses of power.
Financial sustainability was highlighted as a critical pillar for success. The senator argued that without robust and consistent federal funding, state police would fail to meet their mandate. She specifically pointed to the need for investing in staff welfare, intelligence capabilities, modern equipment, and rigorous training.
The senator took a moment to praise President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police for their recent proactive stance on national security matters, noting that such swiftness improves public trust. The conference, which drew a wide array of stakeholders, aimed to refine the operational and constitutional frameworks necessary to bolster Nigeria’s security sector while protecting individual rights.
