Senate approval of state police a historic milestone — Oyintiloye

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has congratulated Nigerians on the Senate’s approval of the establishment of state police, describing it as a historic milestone.

The APC chieftain made this position known when he spoke with newsmen on Thursday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Oyintiloye described the development as a historic milestone in the nation’s quest for a more effective, responsive, and community-oriented security architecture.

He expressed delight that a cause he had championed for many years had finally become a reality under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Osun State APC stalwart recalled that he had consistently advocated the establishment of state police as a practical solution to Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

He added that the country must embrace a multi-layered security structure, including initiatives such as Highway Marshals and Forest Guards, to complement policing efforts across the states.

Oyintiloye noted that one of his notable public interventions on the subject was published in a national daily on February 25, 2018, where he strongly canvassed the need for a decentralised policing system capable of addressing peculiar security concerns nationwide.

According to him, the Senate’s approval vindicates years of advocacy by well-meaning Nigerians, security experts, and public policy stakeholders who recognised the limitations of a highly centralised policing system.

He stated that the establishment of state police would strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response to security threats, deepen community policing, create employment opportunities, and empower law enforcement agencies to better understand and address local security challenges.

Oyintiloye stressed that for state police to be effective, it must be technology-driven and community-oriented.

He called for the deployment of modern security tools such as CCTV cameras, drones, digital communication systems, and crime databases to support personnel recruited into the new policing structure.

He also emphasised the need for a strong community policing framework that integrates traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders into intelligence-sharing networks.

“Security is most effective when it is locally driven, intelligence-led, and supported by the people,” he said, noting that initiatives such as Amotekun underscore the importance of community engagement in achieving sustainable security outcomes.

Oyintiloye added: “For years, I have remained a vocal advocate of state police because I firmly believed that Nigeria’s evolving security realities require a more localised approach.

“Today, I am delighted that this long-held dream for our dear nation has become a reality under the courageous and visionary leadership of the President.”

He commended President Tinubu for demonstrating courage, foresight, and statesmanship in supporting what he described as a difficult but necessary reform.

He also saluted the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, members of the National Assembly, state governors, traditional rulers, security experts, and other stakeholders whose collective efforts made the development possible.

He said: “This historic accomplishment demonstrates what can be achieved when leaders place national interest above every other consideration.

“The approval of state police is not merely a legislative victory; it is a victory for every Nigerian who desires a safer, more peaceful, and more secure nation.

“It is also another testament to President Tinubu’s determination to confront longstanding national challenges with bold and innovative solutions.”

Oyintiloye urged stakeholders to ensure that the implementation framework for state police is guided by professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, curb criminality, promote peace and stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth and national development.

He congratulated the President, National Assembly, and all Nigerians on what he described as a defining moment in the country’s democratic journey and security evolution.