The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, said the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force would soon make its position known on the establishment of state police, New Telegraph reports.
New Telegraph said that IGP Egbetokun made this known while speaking to journalists during the end of his three-day working visit to Ogun State.
For decades, the idea of state policing in Nigeria has elicited mixed reactions from leaders and experts.
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The Federal and state governments had agreed on working on modalities for the creation and operation of state police as the nation struggles to curtail insecurity.
The agreement followed the submission of the report by state governments expressing their support for the establishment of state police to the National Economic Council.
The governors also recommended amendment of the constitution to allow for the creation of state police.
The IGP said the police are watching closely the debate on the creation of state police and would make its stance known to Nigerians in due time.
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“The police leadership is watching closely the debate going on about state police and at the appropriate time, the police will make its position known to the public,” IGP Egbetokun said.
The police boss said he would not relent on his effort to put in place a professionally competent police force and change the policing narrative in the country for the better.
“We need a police force that is service driven, that is rule of law compliance, that is people friendly. We need a police force that will be so well-positioned to respond appropriately and adequately to the dynamics of crimes in our society.
“We cannot achieve this without the support of state governments, we cannot achieve this without the support of the people of Nigeria. So, I’m here today, not to ask you (Abiodun) for your support because you have been giving that support but to plead that you don’t get tired of supporting the police in this state,” he said.
