Lagos: Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana has urged the creation of a clear, well‑structured framework for state policing, warning that without proper safeguards, it risks becoming a tool of oppression.
Speaking at the Fifth Yinka Odumakin Memorial Lecture in Ikeja, Falana joined Lanre Arogundade and Gani Adams in pressing for accountability and democratic oversight to ensure that state police serve citizens rather than silence them.
The lecture had the theme: “Can Nigeria’s Democracy Work Without Restructuring?”
He urged restructuring Nigeria’s governance system. He cited the country’s history and the need for true federalism.
“Restructuring is about who the beneficiaries are,” he said.
He claimed some state governments targeted opposition and journalists using security agencies. He warned that state police may be misused unless properly managed.
Falana advised against manipulating the electoral system.
“We must stop agonising, and we must get organised in the interest of our people.” After Falana’s remarks, the President of the International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade, also warned that, without proper structuring, state police could become an instrument of oppression.
He also claimed that some state governments used security agencies to target opposition and journalists.
Arogundade emphasised the need for a people-focused approach to state policing.
He said that state police should be managed democratically.
He said Nigeria needed state police to serve citizens and urged stakeholders to prioritise everyone’s welfare and security.
He also urged greater investment in science and technology to address insecurity more effectively.
Continuing the discussion, Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, also called for the establishment of state police.
He advised that the mechanism must be well-structured to benefit citizens.
Adams said he was ready to work with governments to provide security.
He added that activists and civil society should honour Odumakin by staying committed to justice, democracy, and good governance.
Echoing previous speakers, Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, also called for the establishment of state police.
