Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has warned that state police must not be allowed to become instruments of political or executive intimidation. She gave the caution at a conference on "Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security," hosted by ARISE News and THISDAY Newspaper in Abuja on Thursday. The event gathered ministers, security officials, civil society leaders, academics and private-sector representatives to discuss constitutional reforms, operational frameworks, funding and accountability mechanisms for proposed state police forces. Natasha, representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, called on the legislature to embed strong constitutional safeguards in any law establishing state policing. She emphasized that while support for decentralized policing is increasing, mechanisms must exist to prevent abuse by state authorities. Sustainable funding, she noted, is critical to ensuring state police can fulfill their duties. "State police should never become an instrument of political oppression or executive intimidation," Natasha said. "We must build a policing system that serves the people, protects democracy and remains accountable to the rule of law." She added, "Funding is one of the most important aspects the Federal Government must address. Without adequate and sustainable financing, state police will struggle to deliver on their constitutional responsibilities." Natasha also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police for their swift actions on recent security challenges. "I commend Mr President and the Inspector-General of Police for their prompt and decisive actions on security issues. That kind of responsiveness builds public confidence," she said.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan warns against state police being used for political intimidation while simultaneously praising a central authority for decisive security actions, creating a tension between her critique and endorsement. Her call for constitutional safeguards is undermined by her uncritical support for executive security measures that lack transparency. If state-level forces require oversight to prevent abuse, the same scrutiny should apply to federal-level actions. Her position reflects a selective concern for accountability that favours current power structures.
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