Segun Sowunmi has challenged one of the most persistent criticisms of the proposed State Police system, arguing that fears of governors arbitrarily using local police forces against citizens are often overstated. His remarks come as Nigeria continues to debate constitutional amendments that could decentralize policing and grant states greater responsibility for security.
The comments have injected fresh energy into an already heated national conversation. While opponents of state police frequently warn that governors could misuse security agencies for political purposes, Sowunmi contends that such scenarios ignore the realities of institutional accountability, community relationships, and democratic oversight.
Segun Sowunmi Dismisses Fears Over State Police Abuse
Segun Sowunmi questioned the assumption that a governor could simply wake up one day and instruct police officers from the same communities they serve to engage in unlawful actions. According to him, governance is more complex than critics often suggest, and public institutions do not operate solely on the basis of personal directives.
He argued that law enforcement personnel are subject to professional standards, legal obligations, and public scrutiny. In his view, these safeguards make it difficult for any elected official to transform a state police structure into an instrument of unchecked power.
Sowunmi’s intervention reflects a broader argument among supporters of state policing, who believe concerns about abuse should be addressed through institutional safeguards rather than used as grounds to reject the reform entirely.
Sowunmi Says State Police Will Not Automatically Lead to Abuse
The proposed State Police system has generated strong opinions across Nigeria. Supporters argue that decentralization would improve local intelligence gathering, enhance response times, and allow states to address security challenges more effectively.
Critics, however, maintain that governors could exert undue influence over state-controlled police forces, potentially using them against political opponents or critics. These concerns have led many stakeholders to call for constitutional protections, independent oversight mechanisms, and clear limits on executive authority.
Sowunmi’s remarks directly challenge this line of criticism by emphasizing that state institutions operate within legal frameworks and social environments that can act as checks on abuse.
Nevertheless, opponents insist that safeguards must be clearly defined before any state police system becomes operational.
As the debate continues, Segun Sowunmi has highlighted a central question facing policymakers: should fears of potential abuse prevent the creation of State Police, or should the focus instead be on building strong institutions capable of preventing such abuse from occurring in the first place?
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
