‘State police should never become tool of political oppression’ — Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has cautioned against the use of state police as a tool for political intimidation, urging the National Assembly to incorporate strong constitutional safeguards into any legislation establishing the proposed policing system.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly made the call at a conference on “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security”, organised by ARISE News and THISDAY Newspaper in Abuja on Thursday.

She noted that while support for decentralised policing was growing, adequate safeguards must be put in place to prevent abuse at the state level.

“State police should never become an instrument of political oppression or executive intimidation,” she said.

“We must build a policing system that serves the people, protects democracy and remains accountable to the rule of law.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan also stressed the importance of sustainable funding, warning that inadequate financial support could undermine the effectiveness of state police.

“Funding is one of the most important aspects the Federal Government must address. Without adequate and sustainable financing, state police will struggle to deliver on their constitutional responsibilities,” she said.

She identified personnel welfare, training, intelligence gathering and the provision of modern equipment as key areas that any funding framework should adequately address.

The senator also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police for what she described as their prompt response to security challenges.

“I commend Mr President and the Inspector-General of Police for their prompt and decisive actions on security issues. That kind of responsiveness builds public confidence,” she said.

The conference brought together ministers, security chiefs, civil society leaders, academics and private sector stakeholders to examine constitutional amendments, operational models, funding mechanisms and accountability frameworks for state policing.