Seriake Dickson, a prominent leader within the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has expressed approval of President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to establish state-level police forces. Despite his support for the concept of decentralized law enforcement, Dickson suggested during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’ that the administration should prioritize current security challenges and defer the implementation of state police to a future government.
Dickson proposed a more gradual approach, suggesting that decentralization should first occur at the zonal level. He also emphasized the necessity of broadening this reform to include resource control, specifically regarding mineral rights. His recommended framework involves constitutional amendments that would grant state governors the authority to appoint police commissioners, subject to oversight by the Police Service Commission and state legislative bodies.
The discussion also noted concerns raised by NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, who questioned the timing of the initiative. Obi warned that constitutional changes granting significant powers to governors might be problematic given the proximity of upcoming elections.
