In a bid to address Nigeria’s security challenges and tackle pressing issues like artificial intelligence, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has announced the formation of a 45-member constitution review committee.
Chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, the committee will include six lawmakers from each geopolitical zone and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The committee’s mandate encompasses a comprehensive review of the 1999 constitution, with a spotlight on critical areas such as the quest for state police and regulations pertaining to artificial intelligence.
Set to be inaugurated next Tuesday, the committee’s formation comes amidst growing calls for state policing as a solution to Nigeria’s escalating security concerns.
State Police Advocacy:
Against the backdrop of heightened insecurity marked by rampant kidnappings and banditry, stakeholders have intensified their advocacy for state police. Governors affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reiterated their stance on Monday, underscoring state policing as pivotal to averting Nigeria’s descent into turmoil akin to Venezuela.
Echoing similar sentiments, prominent regional groups including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Middle Belt Forum, and the Northern Elders’ Forum have consistently championed the establishment of state police to counter the nation’s mounting security challenges
Regional Initiatives:
Amidst the clamor for state police, several states have taken proactive measures to bolster local security apparatuses. Notable among these initiatives is the formation of the Amotekun security outfit in the South-West, alongside the creation of Ebube Agu in the South-East.
Additionally, states like Benue have operationalized the Benue Guards in the North Central region, while others, such as Katsina and Zamfara, have followed suit with similar locally established security outfits.
However, the effectiveness of these initiatives has been hampered by the absence of federal backing, with states advocating for authorization to equip their security personnel with assault rifles like the AK-47 to combat armed assailants effectively.
As Nigeria grapples with escalating security threats, the constitution review committee’s formation stressed a proactive step towards addressing pertinent issues, including the imperative for state police. With stakeholders advocating for decentralized security mechanisms, the committee’s deliberations hold the promise of charting a path towards enhancing national security and safeguarding citizens’ well-being.
