Edo Ex-Chairmen Demand 20% Defense Budget for Security

Former local government chairmen from Edo State have called on the federal government to allocate 20% of Nigeria's defense budget directly to local councils to enhance security. This demand was made during a meeting in Benin City, where they emphasized the importance of grassroots action in tackling the country’s worsening insecurity.

The chairmen, including Austin Okoibhol, Napoleon Agbama, and John Akhigb, argue that local governments should be at the forefront of Nigeria's security architecture. They propose an estimated allocation of 600 billion naira based on the current defense budget to finance community policing initiatives and youth employment schemes.

The group also recommends constitutional amendments to establish state police operational commands at the local government level, citing the inadequacy of Nigeria's centralized police structure. They advocate for monthly security votes for local governments, special intervention grants, and the establishment of mobile courts to expedite justice in cases of kidnapping and banditry.