Ex-Rivers Governor Rejects State Police Proposal, Warns of Abuse

A former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, has voiced strong opposition to the creation of state police, cautioning that such a move could be abused by governors.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, Omehia argued that many state leaders have not demonstrated the capacity or fairness required to manage an independent police force. He noted that the tendency for political interference and abuse of power at the state level could undermine the purpose of effective policing.

According to him, rather than establishing state-controlled police outfits, efforts should be directed at reforming and strengthening the existing Nigeria Police Force to make it more responsive to security challenges across the country.

Omehia stressed that centralised policing, though imperfect, provides a check against potential misuse of security agencies for political vendettas by state authorities.

His remarks come amid renewed debate over the push for state police, with proponents insisting that decentralisation of policing would enhance community security and improve response to rising insecurity nationwide.