Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, believes Nigeria’s security challenges can be effectively tackled through shared responsibility, stronger state governors involvement and a security structure that gives them greater role and control as they are closer to the people.
According to him, governors must take full ownership and control of security in their states because they understand the unique challenges facing their communities and are directly accountable to the people.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can not come to Edo or visit all the states at the same time because he is just one person. If I protect Edo State and every other governor protects their states, insecurity will become a thing of the past,” Okpebholo said.
The governor was addressing an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ interactive session at Okaijesan Town Hall, Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, and urged the 36 state governors to take greater responsibility for protecting lives and property.
Governor Okpebholo’s advocacy for state police which the nation is articulating right now, is based on the argument that all security challenges are local and require responses driven by local intelligence, understanding, and personnel. He is not saying the federal government should be hands-off. No, but states should have greater authority to complement federal security efforts.
Nigeria’s policing system has remained largely centralised, with the Nigeria Police Force operating under federal control. Although governors are regarded as chief security officers of their states, they do not have direct operational control over police formation, though they have security votes.
Governor Okpebholo’s argument is that this creates a gap between responsibility and authority, as states are expected to address security concerns without full control over the main law enforcement institution.
His position aligns with the security pillar of his SHINE Agenda, which places the protection of lives and property at the center of governance. His administration believes a safe environment is necessary for economic growth, investment, infrastructure development, and job creation.
His administration has since inception highlighted measures aimed at improving security in Edo State, including stronger intelligence gathering, technology-driven security operations, faster criminal justice processes, and support for community-based security initiatives.
The governor criticised those who blame President Tinubu alone for the country’s security challenges, arguing that insecurity requires collective action from the federal government, state governments, and local communities.
“Many governors are working hard to solve security challenges across the nation. Governors should take charge of their various states and address the security situation. This is what is called sub-national responsibility, and it will help solve the problem,” he said.
On a different terrain, supporters of state police argue that decentralising policing would allow states to respond faster to crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, cultism, and organised criminal activities. However, they have raised concerns about possible abuse of powers by state governments.
To address these concerns, ongoing efforts are for state police systems that must include strong safeguards, including independent oversight, professional recruitment, proper training, respect for human rights, and clear accountability mechanisms. In addition, effective policing requires adequate resources for personnel, equipment, technology, communication systems, and welfare.
For Governor Okpebholo, security is not only about fighting crime but also about creating an environment where development can thrive. He believes a secure state is a secure Nigeria that will attract investment, protect businesses, and improve the confidence of all citizens.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ebojele, PhD in public administration, is Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State
