NUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike Advocates for State Police Reform

Comrade Grace Ike, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, called for the establishment of state police to improve community security and strengthen federalism during her speech at the 2nd Annual Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture organized by the House of Representatives Press Corps. The lecture, themed “The Imperative for State Police: Securing Communities, Strengthening Federalism,” discussed the need for decentralizing policing in Nigeria.

Ike argued that the current centralized policing system delays security responses, leaving communities vulnerable. She emphasized that state police could provide quicker responses to local security issues and foster better relationships between law enforcement and communities.

However, she cautioned that the establishment of state police should include strong safeguards against abuse and political interference, advocating for constitutional amendments and clear legislation. Additionally, she called for sustainable funding, anti-corruption measures, and shared intelligence systems among security agencies to address cross-border criminal activities.