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The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere has called on the Federal Government to hasten its efforts to bring about the creation of state police.
The group receipt reports on the security situation in the country, especially as it affects the south West and concluded that there was need for state security outfits like Amotekun to bear sophisticated weapons.
Afenifere noted the spate of kidnappings and herders farmers clashes in the South West and concluded that there need for further collaboration between the state security networks and the primary security agencies for effective security.
This was part of decisions reached on Tuesday by the Afenifere Caucus in the Akure home of its Leader, Reuben Fasoranti.
The group said the action was necessary in view of the current state of security in the country.
It also advocated the overhauling of the Security Architecture in the country, to tackle the insecurity in the country and ensure that Nigerians are able to live and move about without the fear of being kidnapped or harassed in any way.
“Such reworking should include accelerating actions on the decision of the government to have state police,” Afenifere states in the communique issued at the end of the meeting.
“There is also the urgent need to include modern technology more comprehensively in the efforts at combating banditry and terrorism.
“Doing so would check, if not totally stop, the incidences of kidnapping and sundry banditry now ravaging the land.
“Afenifere also advocated for the (i). licensing of states’ security networks code-named “Amotekun” in Yoruba- speaking states to carry lethal weapons. This can be done preparatory to the setting up of State Police.”
Afenifere also called for greater cooperation between Amotekun corps and other security agencies.
The Federal Government had on February 15 constituted a committee which included governors, to explore the possibility of creating state police to address the worsening security situation in the country.
The police bill, sponsored by Orji Kalu and 14 others, passed the second reading on February 20, 2024.
It seeks among others, to alter the relevant sections of the 1999 constitution to pave the way for states to establish their policing outfits.
The bill which has the title, ‘A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for Establishment of State Police and Related Matters,’ attempts to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent list.
The bill comprises 18 clauses and aims to amend sections 34, 35, 39, 42, 84, 89, 129, 153, 197, 214, 215 and 216 of the constitution.
The National Economic Council chaired by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima has perfected inputs from all state governors who are apparently in support of the alteration.
Pronouncements in the development from the NEC were expected as it had postponed deliberations on the matter to January this year.