Oshiomhole Warns Against Unchecked State Policing

Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, expressed concerns regarding the establishment of state policing in Nigeria during a panel discussion. He warned that without fiscal autonomy and independent oversight, state policing could devolve into decentralized tyranny rather than solving Nigeria's worsening insecurity.

Oshiomhole highlighted that many state governments already struggle to meet salary obligations for police personnel and lack the resources for essential equipment and training. He cautioned that failing to properly fund state police could create new security threats.

Oshiomhole also pointed out the risk of political manipulation, noting that state electoral commissions often produce outcomes favoring ruling parties. He advocated for strengthening the existing Nigeria Police Force through increased funding, improved training, and greater operational autonomy, rather than rushing to create state police forces without adequate safeguards.