The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has endorsed the proposed establishment of state police but insisted that the new policing structure must be rooted in true federalism, with governors empowered to appoint and remove commissioners of police in their states.
The regional leaders also warned that anything short of that would amount to creating “a Federal State Police” rather than genuine state policing.
“SMBLF welcomes State Police, of which we have been the advocate for years, but insists that State Police should reflect true federalism and not a Federal State Police,” the Forum said in a communiqué issued after its regular general meeting, declaring that “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.”
The communiqué was read by the Chairman of the Forum and leader of Afenifere, Oladipo Olaitan, after the meeting held at the Abuja liaison office of PANDEF.
The meeting brought together delegates from Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). Among those present were former Akwa Ibom State governor Victor Attah, former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide John Nwodo, former Nigerian ambassador and PANDEF President Godknows Igali, and Middle Belt Forum National President Bitrus Pogu.
Beyond policing, the Forum renewed its call for the presidency to remain in Southern Nigeria after the 2027 general election, saying the arrangement was necessary “in the interest of national political stability.”
It also criticised what it described as the lack of internal democracy in political parties ahead of the elections.
It noted that “the essence of democracy is free choice by the people,” adding that “the situation of one person or an oligarchy of a few choosing candidates… is antithetical to democracy and national development.”
The Forum therefore advocated reforms that would strengthen Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, including the introduction of independent candidacy.
On security, SMBLF acknowledged recent gains by the Armed Forces in Oyo, Zamfara, and Borno states but urged the Federal Government to sustain the momentum in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Kwara, and Kogi states.
It also called for stronger collaboration with neighbouring countries and the international community to tackle insecurity.
The regional leaders urged the judiciary to remain fiercely independent in discharging its constitutional responsibilities, while calling on the media to continue its watchdog role in defending Nigeria’s democracy.
On electoral reforms, the Forum insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must bear “the burden of proof” that elections conducted under its watch are free, fair, and credible.
The leaders equally renewed their longstanding demand for restructuring through the adoption of a new constitution anchored on true federalism, declaring that they would mobilise support only for a presidential candidate committed to delivering a new constitution for Nigeria.
(The Sun)
