Northern Governors Forum now supports the creation of state police forces across Nigeria

GOVERNORS of Nigeria's 19 northern states have unanimously expressed support for the establishment of state police forces as a move required to combat the incessant rise of violence and crime across the country.

Of late, Nigeria has been overwhelmed by a crime epidemic that has included terrorism, armed insurgency, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape and banditry. Totally overwhelmed by the situation, the Nigeria Police Force appears to be out-manned and out-gunned, prompting calls for the establishment of state police forces across the country.

Already, several parts of the country have stepped up plans to provide local security with the establishment of regional outfits like Amotekun in the southwest geo-political zone. Following on from the footsteps of the southwest governors, the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) too has agreed that state police are needed to tackle criminal activities across the country.

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, the NGF chairman, said a recent meeting held on Monday between the governors and northern traditional rulers reviewed the security situation in the north. He affirmed that the northern governors and traditional rulers support the review and constitutional amendment to accommodate the establishment of state police, with a view to effectively and efficiently address the security challenges in the northern states.

Governor Lalong added: “The forum reiterated its commitment to the development of solar energy in view of the comparative advantage of sunshine in the region. Accordingly, it was unanimously resolved that 2,000 megawatts of solar power be developed across the 19 States and Federal Capital Territory.”

Also, the joint meeting noted regrettably that the ongoing strike action declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike is more punitive in the northern region as most of the students across the region attend public universities. It thus appealed to ASUU to cooperate with the federal government in resolving the dispute.