Legal practitioner, Liborous Oshoma, has thrown his weight behind the establishment of state police in Nigeria, describing it as a necessary step toward addressing the country’s worsening security challenges.
However, he cautioned against granting state governors unchecked authority over the proposed policing structure, warning that such a system could be vulnerable to abuse and political manipulation.
Speaking on the ongoing debate over state policing, Oshoma said concerns about the possible misuse of power by governors remain one of the major factors hindering the implementation of the initiative.
According to him, the experience of state electoral commissions has fueled fears that governors could deploy state police to harass political opponents, influence elections, and suppress dissent.
Oshoma argued that critical powers such as the appointment, discipline, and funding of state police personnel should not be concentrated in the hands of governors alone.
“The powers to appoint, discipline, and fund state police officers should not rest solely with governors,” he stated.
Call for Independent Police Commission
To safeguard the integrity of the proposed system, the lawyer advocated the establishment of an independent oversight body responsible for recruitment, discipline, remuneration, and operational standards.
He suggested the creation of a State Police Commission made up of representatives from civil society organisations, professional associations, the media, and other relevant stakeholders, rather than individuals handpicked exclusively by state governments.
According to him, such a structure would promote transparency, accountability, and public trust while reducing the risk of political interference.
While acknowledging that governors are constitutionally regarded as chief security officers of their states, Oshoma stressed that security agencies should not be completely answerable to them.
He warned that concentrating excessive authority in the hands of governors could undermine the credibility of state police and create opportunities for abuse.
Decentralised Policing Gains Momentum
Despite concerns over potential misuse, Oshoma maintained that the deteriorating security situation across the country has strengthened the argument for decentralised policing.
He noted that state police would improve intelligence gathering, facilitate quicker responses to security threats, and enhance community-based policing efforts.
The legal practitioner further pointed out that the implementation of state police would require constitutional amendments, particularly provisions that currently recognise only the Nigeria Police Force as the country’s official policing institution.
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Oshoma concluded by urging lawmakers and other stakeholders to design robust safeguards that would prevent abuse while ensuring that state police effectively address Nigeria’s security challenges.
He maintained that with the right legal and institutional frameworks in place, state policing could become a valuable tool in tackling insecurity and improving public safety across the country.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.