Don’t turn state police into political weapon- Senator Natasha

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…seeks safeguards, sustainable funding

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John Alechenu

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ABUJA – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has cautioned against deploying state police to intimidate political opponents or citizens, and urged the National Assembly to build strong constitutional safeguards into any law establishing such a force.
The Kogi Central Senator said this at a Conference with the theme: “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security,” organised by Arise News and ThisDay Newspaper in Abuja on Thursday.

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She noted that the push for decentralised policing was gaining ground, but the design must rule out abuse at the state level.

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The federal lawmaker further stated that, “State police should never become an instrument of political oppression or executive intimidation.

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“We must build a policing system that serves the people, protects democracy and remains accountable to the rule of law.”

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Natasha said money would make or mar the proposal. She argued that without a clear and reliable funding plan, state police formations would lack capacity to function.

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“Funding is one of the most important aspects the Federal Government must address. Without adequate and sustainable financing, state police will struggle to deliver on their constitutional responsibilities,” she said.

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She listed personnel welfare, training, intelligence gathering and modern equipment as areas any funding model must cover.

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The Senator also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police for responding swiftly to security threats.

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“I commend Mr President and the IGP for their prompt and decisive actions on security issues. That kind of responsiveness builds public confidence,” she said.

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The conference was attended by ministers, security chiefs, civil society leaders, academics, and private-sector players who reviewed constitutional amendments, operational models, funding, and accountability for state policing.

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Organisers said the resolutions would feed into the wider debate on how to strengthen security while protecting rights and democratic norms.

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