By Ezra Ukanwa

Following the recent clamor for the establishment of State Police in Nigeria, a former Accord Party presidential aspirant in 2023, Dr. Eseyin Adeola, firmly kicked against this move, citing grave concerns about its potential misuse and manipulation by those in power.

He made his stand on the matter known in a statement personally signed by him, on Thursday in Abuja

He alleged that the move could be an antic by the ruling party to clamp down on the activities of its opposition parties, stressing that granting more power to state governors, who already exhibit intolerance to criticism, could further stifle dissent and pave the way for an attempt to create a single-party system in Nigeria.

One of the key issues raised by Dr. Adeola, according to the statement, is the lack of transparency surrounding the allocation and utilization of monthly security votes by state governments.

According to him, These funds, meant for enhancing security and combating criminal activities, are often shrouded in secrecy, with little accountability or oversight.

Dr. Adeola, furthermore, questioned the prerogatives of governors in determining the welfare and training of State Police officers, especially in light of some governors’ refusal to pay the minimum wage of 30,000 Naira.

The statement partly reads: “He poses a critical question: How can we trust state governors to effectively manage and provide for armed police officers when they cannot even meet basic wage standards for their workers? The prospect of having weapon-carrying police officers whose care package and welfare remain uncertain is a cause for serious concern.”

Dr. Adeola, however, emphasized the need for greater transparency, accountability, and unbiased oversight in the allocation of security funds before considering expanding the powers of state governors.

“The potential for misuse of State Police as a tool for political oppression and the uncertainty surrounding the welfare of officers raise valid questions about the feasibility and implications of such a move”, he said