Over the past one year, former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has shown that he is unable to accept the reality that he is no longer the governor of Rivers State.

Although he is the current Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a full bucket of administrative responsibilities to the residents of the FCT, the minister has his total attention fixed on Rivers State, where he still imagines himself as the de facto Governor and political godfather.

But Wike’s psychological inability to accept and operate within reality should be of concern to all Nigerians. In clinical psychology, when a person loses touch with reality, it is called psychosis.

A person with a psychotic condition may seem perfectly fine, but they may, in fact, be living a big part of their lives in an alternate universe.

For instance, psychotic individuals may hear voices that no one else hears – psychologists call this auditory hallucination. They may also see people that no one else sees – doctors call this visual hallucination.

By constantly imagining himself as Governor of Rivers State and seeking so desperately to control the affairs of the State, Nyesom Wike may be exhibiting the worst strain of all hallucinations – the hallucination of power.

Wike and his proxies have been waging a futile battle in the courts, in the streets, and in the media, to unseat the legitimate government of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State.

On the 7th of October 2024, political hoodlums burnt down the headquarters of four local government area councils in Rivers State, after the successful conclusion of the local government elections by the state’s independent electoral body.

As they set the buildings ablaze, the arsonists could be heard in chilling videos, threatening even more violence and destruction.

On 10 October 2024, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja gave one of most bizarre rulings in Nigeria’s jurisprudence by stopping the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the federation from releasing statutory financial allocations to Rivers State.

Justice Abdulmalik gave her judgement on the basis of what many believed was a completely meritless application, filed in a distant and improbable jurisdiction, by a cohort of Wike’s loyalists who seemed bent on destabilizing Rivers State.

As one of the 36 federating states of Nigeria, Rivers State has a constitutionally guaranteed right to financial allocations from the federal government. The allocations are made for the purpose of governance and service delivery to the millions of people who live in the state.

Therefore, if there are disputes between organs of government over budgetary matters or financial appropriation, the resolution of such disputes must at least begin within the legal jurisdiction of Rivers State.

There are over ten judicial divisions in Rivers State presided over by dozens of high court judges. So, why take matters concerning the internal financial affairs of Rivers State to Abuja – a different legal jurisdiction, which is 642.3 km away?

But in her rush to judgement, Justice Abdulmalik seemed to see jurisdiction where there was none. Crucially, Her Lordship neglected to reflect on the broader damage to society which her dystopian judgement might have caused.

For example, the judgement would have denied thousands of Rivers state teachers, doctors, civil servants, sanitation workers, and retirees of their salaries and gratuities.

The judgement would have halted the delivery of basic municipal services, and thrown over two hundred thousand innocent children out of school in Rivers State.

In other words, this was a judgement that was guaranteed to break the dam of popular anger in Rivers State and beyond.

Throughout his career, the German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, insisted that there was a tenuous link between politics and mental disorder. Nietzsche warned that we should be worried when politics is driven by people with a neurotic attachment to power.

Nyesom Wike and his judicial allies may be pushing Nigeria towards the frightening nihilism that Friedrich Nietzsche warned us about.

Thankfully, on 13 December 2024, the Appeal Court in Abuja nullified the entirety of Justice Abdulmalik’s judgement for want of jurisdiction.

But, thanks to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, lawyers may henceforth define “judicial psychosis” as a judge’s uncanny ability to see legal jurisdiction where there is none.

Tam-George is a former Senior Executive Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts. He served as Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communication in Rivers State ( 2015-2017).

The easiest and most attractive national pastime is buck-passing, especially with the bunch of leaders that we have, who can hardly peel a banana or wash an already white handkerchief. Not many of us want to take responsibility for anything, from personal to family or national life.

The blame is on the system. We do not need to create demons out of our leaders because they are already specimens of demons, so we hang our sins on them appropriately and inappropriately, too. And unfortunately, their behavior has made it easy for the critics to descend on them.

We, at most, talk, write, and discuss the Nigerian myth with a sense of fatalism. If everyone thought as much as I did about justice and fairness, life would be better. I am a critic, but I am also the critics’ critic, the unrepentant believer that the best way to keep the government on its toes is to keep harping on their flaws so they can improve.

Often, I say I believe the things I write about are as important for our nation as they are for other nations, but when it appears to me, Nigerians, especially those in authority, do not react to these issues as people in other lands do, I repeat them in new essays to remind old readers and recruit new ones to participate in the continuing dialogue.

So today, I address the real nonsense people…citizens, apologists, and crooks called politicians in Nigeria where nothing works and no one cares, when it works, it is because someone’s interest is about to be served or being served, not the people’s interest. We talk about our institutions despairingly. Our leaders do not watch network news any longer except when their faces are there on the occasion of their sons/daughters’ weddings or such. They do not need the newspapers anymore because it is full of their lies, paid adverts, and the critics’ truth, the bitter truth.

Government bashing is a national issue, and every drinking joint and any suya spot has a sitting parliament with an expert on every and any issue, but we forget that no matter the input, if the politicians and actors in our national scene have questionable lives both on a personal and domestic level, nothing will change, the best government policy cannot change the individual. It is because the policies are formulated on a bad foundation and by people with warped thinking.

We do not need the government to teach us to stop treating ourselves like animals. Do we need the government to teach us that we demand responsible leadership and representation? Certainly not, we should know that and act in a fashion that depicts that we demand more than what we are getting.

So, let me tell us, this tale by an unknown author. It is originally called the pebble and the ripples.

A man was sitting by a lake. He was throwing small pebbles into it from time to time. A young boy happened to cross by. He was intrigued to see that after every few minutes or so, the man would toss a pebble into the lake.

The boy went up to the man and said, “Good pastime, this stone-throwing?” “Hmmm, said the man. He seemed to be deep in thought and did not wish to be disturbed.

Sometime later, the man said softly, “Look at the water, it is still.” The boy said, “Yeah, it is.”

The man tossed a pebble into the water and continued, only till I toss a pebble into it now, do you see the ripples?”

Yeah, said the boy, “they spread further and further.”

“And soon, the water is still again, offered” the man.

The boy said. “Sure, it becomes quiet after a while.”

The man continued, “What if we want to stop the ripples? The root cause of the ripples is the stone. Let’s take the stone out. Go ahead and look for it.” The boy put his hand into the water and tried to take the stone out.

But he only succeeded in making more ripples. He was able to take the stone out, but the number of ripples that were made in the process was a lot more than before.

The wise man said, “It is not possible to stop the movement of the water once a pebble has been thrown into it. But if we can stop ourselves from throwing the pebble in the first place, the ripples can be avoided altogether!

So, too, it is with our minds. If a thought enters into it, it creates ripples. The only way to save the mind from getting disturbed is to block and ban the entry of every superfluous thought that could be a potential cause for disturbance. If a disturbance has entered into the mind, it will take its own time to die down. Too many conflicting thoughts just cause more and more disturbances. Once the disturbance has been caused, it takes time to ebb out. Even trying to forcibly remove the thought may further increase the turmoil in the mind.

We have exhibited in the last few weeks again that there is a continued forced political marriage in this entity called Nigeria, we do not know whether we want the accident of history called Nigeria to remain or whether we want to go our separate ways; that is if we even can agree which way it is?

The tax bills that have been temporarily put to rest have again raised questions—Are we, at best, simply cohabitating without any mutuality, or is it just a union of the very wild poor at the bottom and the very rich on top? Again, our comments have shown that we are a symmetrically antagonistic group trying hard to find a melting pot other than soccer, corruption, and neglect by those we call leaders.

There is no clear blueprint to address the developmental and poverty issues in the North – such as security, education, water, agriculture, health care, desertification, Niger River dredging, jobs, housing, etc. and sadly, these are issues also in the Southern part of the nation.

The critic’s anthem would be my end to this essay; it has always inspired me by H.G. Wells: “We are going to write about it all. We are going to write about business and finance and politics and pretenses and pretentiousness, and decorum and indecorum until a thousand pretenses and ten thousand impostors shrivel in the cold, …we are going to write about wasted opportunities and latent beauties, until a thousand new ways of life open to men and women. We are going to appeal to the young, and the hopeful, and the curious against—the established, the dignified, and the defensive…”

I will write about the nonsense in my society, once in a while, when I see good things, I will write about them, but I will not let an opportunity pass to address the real nonsense people so that they know that people are not happy, so that they come down from their hypocritical high horses, so they have the scales in their eyes removed; par adventure they can change, if only that we can have a true people’s revolution to get rid of the nonsense in our society—Only time will tell.

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has found himself embroiled in escalating controversies that stretch from Rivers State to Abuja. His actions, including the demolition spree in the nation’s capital and the alleged sale of land tied to the legacy of Colonel Paul Ogbebor, have stirred outrage across the country. What started as a localized land issue has now grown into a national confrontation involving political, cultural, and spiritual forces.
The Benin Kingdom, deeply offended by what they see as an assault on their pride and one of their revered sons, has vowed not to let this injustice go unchallenged. At the same time, Rivers State residents, frustrated by Wike’s high-handed approach to governance, are also pushing back against his perceived abuse of power.

Colonel Paul Ogbebor: A Legacy Under Attack

Colonel Paul Ogbebor was a national hero and a son of the Benin Kingdom, whose contributions to Nigeria remain unparalleled. As the first Nigerian enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy’s Cadet Course 1, he served the country with honor, earning numerous accolades for his bravery. Beyond his military career, he was a builder of Abuja, contributing significantly to the development of Nigeria’s capital city.

“This land was allocated to my husband in recognition of his service to this country,” Mrs. Rita Lori Ogbebor stated apparently. “Now, Wike, you have sold it to a Rivers State man close to you. Was there a bidding process? Was the equity rule followed? Or was it handed over secretly? This is not just about land; it is about justice and respect for my husband’s legacy.”

The Benin Kingdom sees this as an affront to their cultural identity and a desecration of the legacy of one of their greatest sons. They are determined to resist this assault on their history, heritage, and pride.

A Question of Equity: Was There a Bidding Process?

The controversial sale of Colonel Paul Ogbebor’s land to Chinda’s company has raised critical questions about the fairness and transparency of the transaction. The Benin Kingdom, alongside many Nigerians, is demanding answers about whether public bidding—an essential element of equity and accountability—was conducted as required by law.

Public bidding ensures that all transactions are subjected to open scrutiny, allowing equal opportunities for interested parties while maintaining fairness in government dealings. However, the alleged secretive nature of this sale suggests otherwise, pointing to a troubling lack of transparency in how this property, tied to a national hero, was transferred.

A Question of Transparency: Was Equity Respected?

The sale of this land is not just a routine transaction; it strikes at the core of equity and fairness in governance. For the Benin Kingdom, Colonel Ogbebor’s legacy is sacred, and any attempt to erase it through dubious processes is a direct affront to their cultural pride.

Wike, you must answer these questions, Mrs. Rita Lori Ogbebor appeared to be asking . “How did this happen? Why was this land given to someone tied to you without a fair process? Do you think the Benin Kingdom will let this go unchallenged? You are gravely mistaken.”

The alleged sale to Chinda’s company, reportedly tied to Wike’s close ally, has sparked outrage. It calls into question the principles of governance and accountability, raising doubts about whether the equity rule—which guarantees fairness in public dealings—was respected.

Demands for Clarity

The Benin Kingdom, through Mrs. Ogbebor, has apparently voiced its concerns publicly and forcefully:
Was there a public bidding process?
Was the equity rule followed?
Who approved the sale, and under what conditions?

Wike, we want answers. How was this property sold? Was it advertised for bidding? Was the equity rule followed? Or was it handed over quietly to someone close to you? These are not questions you can ignore.

Perceptions of Cronyism and Favoritism

The revelation that Chinda’s company now owns the disputed property has further inflamed tensions, with accusations that Wike is using his position to benefit allies and cronies at the expense of fairness and justice. The perception that this transaction was manipulated to favor a select few adds to the growing discontent with Wike’s leadership style.

For the Benin Kingdom, this is not just about the sale of land. It is a direct insult to their identity, pride, and legacy. Colonel Ogbebor is one of their most distinguished sons—a national hero whose contributions to Nigeria are woven into the fabric of their cultural history.

The outrage is rooted in more than just legal concerns; it is deeply tied to cultural identity and justice. The Benin Kingdom views this alleged sale not only as a breach of trust but as an attack on their values and the legacy of one of their own.

The Benin Kingdom’s Stance: Justice Must Prevail

This issue goes beyond governance. It is about equity, transparency, and respect for the legacy of a hero. The Benin Kingdom will not remain silent as the principles of justice are trampled upon. Their demand for answers reflects the broader need for accountability in leadership.

Wike, this is your moment to clarify. The Benin Kingdom and the nation demand transparency. Without it, the cultural and spiritual resistance that has begun will only grow stronger.

Wike’s Growing Controversies

The land issue in Abuja is just one of many controversies linked to Wike, whose actions have consistently drawn criticism. His deteriorating relationship with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has resulted in political chaos, with allegations that Wike is orchestrating disruptions through local government appointments, manipulating vacant House of Assembly seats, and interfering in police activities.

Residents and analysts allege that Wike has used his influence with Abuja-based judges to interfere in Rivers State governance, further destabilizing Fubara’s administration. Rivers residents accuse Wike of prioritizing personal vendettas over the welfare of the state, with many questioning his leadership style and intentions.

The Pushback from the Benin Kingdom and Rivers People

Mrs. Ogbebor’s defiant stance echoes a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with Wike’s actions. The Benin Kingdom and its people are not alone in their resistance. Rivers State residents, already weary of Wike’s perceived overreach and interference, have also begun to call for accountability.

What you have done to Rivers State—using courts, police, and political appointments to consolidate power—you will not do to the Benin Kingdom. The people of Benin will not let you trample on their legacy.

From the revocation of land rights in Abuja to the alleged destabilization of Rivers State governance, Wike’s actions have raised critical concerns about his abuse of power and the lasting damage to public trust and governance stability.

A Senate Intervention: A Temporary Halt to Demolitions

The Senate’s recent intervention has provided a momentary pause in Wike’s demolition spree. Senator Ireti Kingibe’s motion, supported by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, called for an immediate halt to further demolitions in Abuja. The Senate has also launched an investigation into Wike’s actions, with a committee tasked with determining the legality and fairness of his administration’s policies.

Wike, the Senate is now watching. Their intervention is proof that your actions have crossed a line. Take this moment to reflect, because the Benin Kingdom will not remain silent forever.

This Is a Spiritual and Cultural War

The Benin Kingdom, steeped in centuries of tradition and cultural pride, does not take lightly to perceived injustices. Their priests and priestesses, who serve as spiritual guardians of their people, have historically acted when the Kingdom’s honor is at stake.

As a writer and psychologist, I may not practice traditional African spiritual powers, but I understand their significance, I write. Wike, you are treading on dangerous ground. The Benin Kingdom’s spiritual forces are no trivial matter. Their priests and priestesses typically await the King’s directive, but in this case, their patience may run out. Don’t wait for them to act, because once they do, you will face consequences far beyond your control.

This is not just about land; it is about the soul of the Benin Kingdom. Wike’s actions have provoked a deep cultural and spiritual resistance that will not be easily quelled.

The Benin Kingdom Stands Firm

The Benin Kingdom, known for its proud warrior heritage and unshakable sense of justice, will rally behind Mrs. Ogbebor. The Kingdom takes pride in its sons and daughters who have served the nation honorably, and Colonel Ogbebor’s contributions are viewed as a source of collective pride. Any attempt to erase his legacy is seen as an attack on the Kingdom itself.

What Wike is doing in Rivers State—bullying the people, apparently manipulating the courts, and grabbing power—he cannot do to the Benin Kingdom. The people of Benin will not let him treat us like pawns.

A National Embarrassment for Tinubu

Wike’s actions have placed President Bola Tinubu in a precarious position. While Wike was instrumental in helping Tinubu secure Rivers State during the presidential election, his growing list of controversies, including the feud with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the relentless demolitions in Abuja, has become a national embarrassment. The latest assault on Colonel Ogbebor’s property now drags the powerful Benin Kingdom into the fray, potentially escalating the crisis to unprecedented levels.

PANDEF’s Call for Justice

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has joined the resistance, urging Wike to act with statesmanship. In a statement, the group emphasized Colonel Ogbebor’s unparalleled contributions to Nigeria and called for the protection of his legacy.

Colonel Paul Ogbebor was not just a son of the Benin Kingdom; he was a national hero. His legacy cannot be erased by reckless actions. Wike must stop this injustice and honor the memory of those who built this nation, PANDEF stated.

Wike Has Met His Match

Mrs. Ogbebor’s apparent defiance signals that Wike’s actions will not go unchallenged. “This is not just about land; it’s about the legacy of a hero and the pride of a Kingdom. Wike may continue demolishing structures in Abuja, labeling them as ‘shanties,’ but my husband’s house will not be touched. Let him try, and he will face the full resistance of a proud kingdom and a nation that remembers its heroes.”

The message is loud and clear: Wike has crossed a line, and the Benin Kingdom will not stand by. Unlike in Rivers State, where Wike’s tactics have sown chaos and weakened governance, the resistance from the Benin Kingdom is rooted in centuries of cultural and historical pride.

“This fight is not just mine; it is the fight of a Kingdom. Wike, you have pushed too far. The Benin Kingdom will not wait forever for its king to intervene. Resistance is coming, and it will be relentless. What you have done to Rivers State people, you will not do to us,” Mrs. Ogbebor apparently concluded.

Wike’s demolition spree may have bulldozed others into submission, but with the Benin Kingdom, he has met an immovable force. Resistance is not only inevitable but unyielding.

The Judiciary and Perceptions of Control
Mrs. Ogbebor’s refusal to rely on the judiciary underscores a broader distrust of Nigeria’s legal system, especially where Wike is concerned. While some justices in Rivers State have recently begun adhering to the rule of law, the judiciary in Abuja is still perceived by many as compromised.

The Benin people will not place their trust in a court system they believe you control under what many sacatically call Abuja judge. They would rather fight to the end for justice than submit to a system they see as rigged. This is about more than my family; this is about the pride of a Kingdom.

A Final Warning: Wike, Use Your Brain

Wike, the message is crystal clear: resistance is rising against your actions, and it is coming from all fronts. While the Senate’s intervention offers a temporary pause, the Benin Kingdom’s resistance is spiritual, cultural, and unyielding.
This is not just about land or politics. It is about justice, equity, and the legacy of a national hero who played a pivotal role in building this nation. Wike, you are testing the patience of a people who will not bow to power, intimidation, or arrogance. Use your brain. Do what is right before it is too late.

Leave Colonel Paul Ogbebor’s land and property alone. If there are unresolved payments or disputes, handle them equitably as part of Abuja’s municipal responsibilities. Let the family make payments in manageable installments if required, or waive any outstanding fees entirely in honor of Colonel Ogbebor’s immeasurable military sacrifices.

If the property in question is not being properly maintained, demand that it be restored to acceptable standards. The FCT authorities can work with the family to ensure that the site is well-kept, respecting both the law and the dignity of Colonel Ogbebor’s legacy. This approach would uphold justice while maintaining fairness for all parties involved.

The Benin Kingdom will not wait indefinitely for justice. Their resistance is inevitable and will be manifested culturally, spiritually, and politically. By targeting the legacy of one of their most revered sons, you have provoked a fight far larger than governance—it is now a battle over identity, respect, and justice.

This is not Rivers State. The Benin Kingdom is closely observing your actions and will not allow their pride or history to be trampled. When their response comes, it will be deep, relentless, and uncompromising.

Wike, you still have the choice to act wisely. The consequences of your actions will soon spiral beyond your control if you persist. Justice must be served, the property must be protected, and the legacy of Colonel Paul Ogbebor must remain intact. The time to correct course is now—before it is too late.

When a policy fails to factor in public response to its benefits and drawbacks, success takes the backseat. Ignoring public behaviour often results in poor implementation and unintended consequences. In Nigeria, a nation grappling with complex and diverse security challenges, the limitations of centralised policing have become glaringly evident. Rising crime rates, from terrorism and banditry to cybercrime and kidnapping, expose the inadequacies of the current federal system. The call for state police is not just a matter of political discourse; it is a necessary step toward securing the lives and property of Nigerians. This proposal has gained unprecedented traction across regional and political divides, signalling that the time is ripe for this crucial reform. The urgency of decentralising policing by introducing state police could provide the much-needed local focus to counter insecurity while fostering accountability and community trust. This vision aligns with global best practices and offers hope for a safer and more prosperous Nigeria, where localised and specialised law enforcement can effectively address the diverse security needs of the population.

Throughout history, nations have recognised the need for adaptable and localised law enforcement structures. In the early 20th century, the United States established state police forces to address rising crime and extend law enforcement beyond the capabilities of local authorities. The Pennsylvania State Police, formed in 1905, became the first uniformed state law enforcement agency in the U.S., designed to handle challenges that local sheriffs and municipal officers could not adequately address. This included labour unrest in coal mines and maintaining order in rural areas without sufficient local law enforcement. Over time, state police forces such as the Texas Rangers and California Highway Patrol expanded their scope, dealing with issues from highway safety to organised crime. These forces were pivotal in ensuring law enforcement matched the complexities of an industrialising and urbanising society.

The U.S. experience provides a critical lesson for Nigeria: decentralisation enhances law enforcement’s ability to respond to local needs. For instance, during the Prohibition era, state police units were instrumental in curbing illicit alcohol trade in their jurisdictions, a task federal authorities alone needed help to handle effectively. Similarly, the adaptability of state police allowed them to pioneer specialised units, such as cybercrime task forces in recent decades, which have become crucial in tackling modern criminal activities. Nigeria’s security challenges, including insurgencies in the North and urban crimes in Lagos and Abuja, could greatly benefit from similar localised and specialised approaches. For instance, a state police unit in Lagos could prioritise urban crimes such as theft and traffic-related offences, while a unit in Borno might focus on counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram insurgents. This targeted approach could lead to more effective solutions than a one-size-fits-all federal system.

Globally, decentralised policing systems offer valuable lessons. Countries like Canada, India, and South Africa demonstrate how local accountability and responsiveness enhance security. Canada’s provincial police forces work collaboratively with municipal and federal agencies to address diverse security needs. In India, state police forces are indispensable in combating localised crimes and maintaining law and order, especially in states with unique cultural and geographical contexts. For example, Maharashtra’s state police in India have implemented technology-driven initiatives to combat cybercrime, which would be impossible under a rigid centralised system. These systems are bolstered by robust oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse, ensuring their effectiveness and integrity. Nigeria can draw inspiration from these examples, adapting these practices to suit its unique challenges. This global perspective further strengthens the argument for the state police proposal in Nigeria.

The current structure of Nigeria’s federal police reveals its limitations. With approximately 370,000 officers, the police-citizen ratio is about 1:650, significantly higher than the UN-recommended ratio of 1:450. This shortfall is glaring in a nation of over 220 million people, where security challenges vary dramatically across geopolitical zones. The Inspector-General of Police has highlighted the need for an additional 190,000 personnel, yet estimates suggest that Nigeria requires up to 2.5 million officers for effective policing. Over the past decade, crime rates have surged by over 30%, with kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and cybercrime becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. In 2022 alone, there were over 3,500 reported kidnapping incidents nationwide, underlining the urgent need for localised and agile policing responses. The introduction of state police could help address this issue by allowing for a more targeted allocation of resources based on regional security needs, potentially improving the police-citizen ratio and overall security.

Support for state police has grown significantly among policymakers, security experts, and civil society groups. A growing consensus is that decentralising policing would empower local authorities and enhance operational efficiency. Even state governors from historically divided northern and southern regions have united in supporting state police. One significant highlight of the 147th National Economic Council(NEC) is a new consensus by all state governments on establishing state police. However, this initiative requires a more robust but speedy engagement to align it with the local cultural context, ensuring that it is appreciated and supported by the citizens it aims to serve. Citizen engagement is not just a formality, but a crucial step to ensure public understanding and support for the state police proposal. 

Building trust between state police and local communities is a crucial advantage of this reform. Effective local policing initiatives can foster relationships that build trust and cooperation, especially in Nigeria, where the trust deficit is high. Trust is an essential component of crime fighting. Innovative local community-police liaison arrangements and other community-focused programs can strengthen these ties, creating an environment of mutual respect and collaboration. When police officers understand their communities’ cultural and societal dynamics, they are better equipped to address security challenges and maintain peace. The active participation and trust of the Nigerian public in this reform process are crucial for its success. 

Concerns about the potential misuse of state police for political purposes are valid but can be systematically addressed. Abuse of State Independent Electoral Commissions ( SIEC) by state governors is often cited. This is another reason why extensive and targeted citizen engagement is key before putting the law in place. Safeguards must be designed and implemented to prevent governors from exploiting state police for political and electoral manipulation purposes, personal gain, or to feed their authoritarian appetite. Laws prohibiting state police involvement in electoral matters and empowering oversight bodies can ensure neutrality. Clear delineation of the roles and responsibilities of state and federal police will also be essential to avoid jurisdictional conflicts. Establishing a framework for collaboration and information-sharing between the two levels of law enforcement will further enhance effectiveness. However, these measures will require careful planning and execution to ensure their efficacy and address potential challenges such as resistance to change and extensive training and capacity building.

Independent regulatory bodies are critical to ensuring accountability and preventing abuse. A State Police Security Commission (SPSC), comprising representatives from civil society, established professional bodies, legal experts, and public security professionals, could oversee state police operations. Regular audits and public reporting ensure transparency. Additionally, a robust judiciary is essential to protect citizens from potential abuses. Judicial reforms that enhance the independence and efficiency of courts would be vital in supporting this transition. For instance, in Canada, provincial ombudspersons have played pivotal roles in monitoring police misconduct, providing Nigeria with a possible blueprint for ensuring accountability.

Strengthening relationships between police and communities through genuine engagement and collaborative problem-solving must remain a priority. Establishing community advisory boards can provide platforms for dialogue and accountability. Actionable trust-building initiatives, such as open-door policies and  periodic town hall meetings, should replace superficial slogans like “Police is your friend.”

 Addressing insecurity also requires holistic solutions. Investments in education, healthcare, and youth empowerment are essential for tackling the root causes of crime. Integrating vocational training and social services into crime prevention strategies would complement policing reforms, creating a foundation for sustainable security. For example, a similar approach in India’s Kerala state led to a 40% reduction in youth crime over a decade.

Introducing state police in Nigeria represents a transformative opportunity to address the nation’s security crisis. While challenges are inevitable, they should not deter progress. Beginning the decentralisation process will allow for the identification and resolution of potential issues as they arise. The widespread consensus around reforming Nigeria’s policing architecture underscores the urgency of this change. With proper safeguards, political will, and public support, state police can become a cornerstone of a more secure, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria. A prerequisite is the government’s robust publicengagement and orientation programme to get the complete buy-in of all stakeholders, including the National Assembly, the state assembly and the masses. The time to act is now, and this reform must be embraced as a step toward a brighter and safer future for all Nigerians. Establishing state police would signify a shift in policy and a bold reimagining of Nigeria’s approach to security—one that prioritises the people, respects regional diversity, and lays the foundation for sustainable peace and progress.