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By Polycarp Onwubiko

The Guardian newspaper's editorial on December 11, 2023, titled "Time to reorganize and adopt state policing," delivered a surprising revelation regarding the persistent calls for a decentralized security structure, commonly known as "State Policing."

From the comprehensive analysis in the editorial, one begins to question which individual or ethnic group is covertly opposing the reinstatement of the decentralized security structure, originally part of the Independence Constitution and later renamed the 1963 Republican Constitution, which had previously operated effectively.

Describing Nigeria as a curious entity is now confirmed by The Guardian Editorial. Noteworthy excerpts from the editorial include:

(1) "In September 2022, the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) and Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC) convened a summit, advocating for a constitutional amendment to support state police."

(2) "The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders' Forum (SMBLF) has also endorsed multi-level policing, commonly called state police, for internal security."

(3) "Afenifere and Ohaneze socio-political groups also endorsed the adoption of state police as part of internal measures to secure the homelands."

The editorial clarifies the misconception that Northern political elites and traditional institutions had resisted state policing. With this cleared by The Guardian, Nigerians are now seeking to identify who is genuinely against the decentralized security architecture, aligning with the principles of a federal system practiced worldwide.

President Tinubu is now challenged to convene a national conference or revive the President Goodluck Jonathan 2014 National Conference and begin its implementation, which includes state policing. Ignoring the calls for the implementation of the 2014 National Conference could hinder efforts to revive the country, particularly in addressing the security situation. The deteriorating security conditions in Nigeria are deterring foreign investors, impacting Tinubu's manifesto, which includes food security.

To establish an effective security architecture, Tinubu should take immediate steps to address the menace of terrorists posing as herdsmen, particularly in southern Kaduna and middle belt states, by relocating them to their Sahel region of West Africa.

Polycarp Onwubiko, public policy analyst.