State Police: SMBLF Insists Govs Should Have Power to Appoint, Sack Commissioners 

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has thrown its weight behind the establishment of state police but insisted that the proposed security architecture must grant governors the constitutional authority to appoint and remove state Commissioners of Police, warning that any arrangement falling short of that would undermine the principles of true federalism.

The forum argued that allowing the Federal Government to retain effective control over state police leadership would merely create what it described as a “Federal State Police system,” rather than a genuinely decentralised policing structure capable of addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting of stakeholders and elder statesmen held at the liaison office of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in Abuja.

The gathering brought together key leaders from the country’s Southern and Middle Belt regions, including former Akwa Ibom State Governor Victor Attah, former Enugu State Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, PANDEF National Chairman Dr Godknows Igali, Middle Belt Forum President Dr Bitrus Pogu, and other prominent political and socio-cultural leaders.

Presenting the communiqué, Chairman of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum and factional leader of Afenifere, Chief Oladipo Olaitan, reaffirmed the group’s longstanding advocacy for state policing, stressing that the proposed reform must be anchored on genuine constitutional devolution of powers.

He said, “SMBLF welcomes state police, of which we have been advocates over the years, but insists that state police should reflect true federalism and not a Federal State Police system.

“To that end, state governors shall have the same power to appoint or remove a Commissioner of Police as the President in relation to the Inspector-General of Police.”

According to the forum, giving governors operational control over state police commands is essential to making the proposed system effective, accountable and responsive to local security realities.

Beyond policing, the regional leaders reiterated their longstanding demand for a new constitution that would devolve greater powers to the federating units and better reflect the country’s federal structure.

The forum said constitutional reforms should remain central to Nigeria’s democratic evolution and pledged to mobilise public support for leaders committed to delivering genuine restructuring.

Olaitan stated: “We also insist on a new constitution that reflects true federalism and shall mobilise the people to vote for a presidential candidate that will give the people of Nigeria a new Constitution.”

The meeting also revisited the political arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections, maintaining that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu’s first term in office.

According to the forum, preserving the existing power rotation arrangement is critical to maintaining national unity, political inclusion and stability.

The communiqué stated: “SMBLF reiterates its earlier resolution that the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall remain in the southern region in the next four years consequent on the 2027 general elections in the interest of national political stability.”

The forum also criticised what it described as the steady erosion of internal democracy within Nigeria’s political parties, expressing concern over reports that party candidates are increasingly being determined by a few influential individuals rather than through transparent democratic processes.

It warned that such practices threaten democratic development and weaken public confidence in the electoral system.

Olaitan said: “We decry the lack of internal democracy as witnessed in the ongoing primaries in all the political parties. The essence of democracy is free choice by the people.

“The situation of one person or an oligarchy of a few choosing candidates in a political system that excludes independent candidates is antithetical to democracy and national development.

“Nigeria shall remain a thriving multi-party constitutional democracy which also allows for independent candidacy.”

While acknowledging recent successes recorded by the Nigerian Armed Forces in combating insecurity across parts of the country, the forum called on the Federal Government to intensify military operations, particularly in states experiencing persistent attacks in the Middle Belt.

The leaders specifically urged greater attention to states such as Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Kwara and Kogi, while also advocating closer collaboration with neighbouring countries and international partners in tackling cross-border security threats.

Olaitan said: “We recognise and appreciate the renewed efforts and successes of the armed forces on the state of security, particularly in Oyo, Zamfara, and Borno and urged renewed momentum in the Middle Belt, particularly Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Kwara, and Kogi.

“SMBLF also calls on the Federal Government to intensify actions including collaboration with our neighbours and the international community.”

The forum’s latest position comes amid ongoing national discussions over the framework for state policing as the National Assembly considers constitutional amendments aimed at establishing state-controlled police forces.

While advocates argue that decentralising policing would improve intelligence gathering, enhance community policing and strengthen responses to local security threats, opponents have raised concerns that governors could misuse state police for political purposes.

However, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum maintained that those concerns should not derail the reform process, insisting that a truly effective state police system must be founded on constitutional autonomy, accountability and the broader principles of true federalism.