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State police will deepen internal security – Senate leader
The Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, on Monday said creating state police would deepen internal security if approved.
Opeyemi said this in a statement in Abuja released by the Directorate of Media and Publicity, office of the Senate Leader.
He said with the present police system, which was “ailing and dysfunctional,” there was the need for state police.
“We must admit that the system can no longer guarantee the dignity of human lives and the security of collective assets considering our security dynamics in the Fourth Republic.
“The proposal for the creation of state police has been a subject of intense debate in the last decade or more.
“This, in part, can be attributed to the rise of armed attacks orchestrated by diverse interests either pursuing divisive agenda or seeking predatory ends in virtually all geo-political zones,” he said.
He said Nigeria, as one of the world’s fastest growing nations in terms of population, could not continue operating a unitarist security architecture in spite of its strong federal tendencies.
“Such a policing model cannot meaningfully address existential threats to our internal cohesion and stability.
“Unlike in 1979 when we had a population of 70.75 million, Nigeria is now a federation of about 229 million people, currently the world’s sixth biggest country.
“This is as shown in the demographic data of the United Nations. Contrarily, as revealed in the recent presentation of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, Nigeria has a police-citizen ratio of one to 650.
“This ratio is a far cry from a ratio of one to 460, which according to the United Nations, is a minimum requirement for every sovereign state or territory worldwide,” said Bamidele.
He added that the shortfall further reinforced the dysfunctionality of the centrally-controlled model the country was currently operating.
He said the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution would avail stakeholders the opportunity to redefine governance structure and recalibrate the security architecture.
“But we must go about it with a clear sense of self-realisation. We must, first and foremost, realise that the present police system is ailing and dysfunctional.
“We must also admit that the system can no longer guarantee the dignity of human lives and the security of collective assets.
“With this admission, it is evident that the option of adopting state police is no doubt inevitable as an antidote to diverse security challenges that threaten us as a federation,” he said.
The senate leader further said as the debate for a more efficient police model persisted, the National Assembly was under obligation to provide a legal framework that provided clearly defined preconditions.
“Sub-national governments must conform with the preconditions before they can establish their own police formation.
“The role of all 36 State Houses of Assembly is equally indispensable in the quest to adopt the decentralised police system,” he said. (NAN)
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In an atmosphere filled with joy, unity, and heartfelt wishes, Jaba Local Government came alive as Honourable Mustapha and Sister Fatima celebrated their union today in a wedding that will be remembered forever.
The occasion was graced by esteemed personalities and dignitaries and prominent figures within and outside Kaduna State, who gathered not only to honour the couple but also to offer guidance, blessings, and sincere prayers for a successful marriage.
Speaking through the Jaba LGA Council Speaker, Hon. Dogo Zachariah, the Executive Chairperson of Jaba Local Government, Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku, expressed her deepest gratitude for being part of such a meaningful and memorable celebration.
Hon. Laria congratulated the newlyweds couple and encouraged them to embrace unity, love, and mutual respect in their marriage. She urged the couple to always see themselves as one and remain committed to understanding each other no matter the challenges they may encounter.
Hon. Laria warned the couple against allowing external influences or rumours to interfere in their relationship. “As a married couple, it’s crucial to cultivate trust and open communication,” Hon. Laria advised. “Never allow outsiders to sow discord or bring confusion into your home.”
She further appealed to the general public to avoid meddling in private marital affairs, reminding them that interfering negatively can damage the foundation of any union.
During the event, Professor Yasuf Joe Gandu, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at Bingham University, Nasarawa State, also shared his thoughts. Prof. Gandu encouraged the couple to remain patient, tolerant, and supportive of one another. “You’ll never find a perfect husband or a perfect wife,” he said. “But through patience, love, and mutual understanding, couples can build a strong, everlasting relationship.”
The ceremony was further enriched with royal blessings, delivered on behalf of the Kpo Ham, HRH. Danladi Gyet Maude, through the District Head of Fada, His Royal Highness M.D Shehu, also known as the Tafidan Jaba.
HRH. Shehu extended his heartfelt prayers and blessings to Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima, wishing them a life filled with peace, love, and unity. He urged them to always strive for harmony and be each other’s support system through all phases of life.
The Royal Father also prayed for safe journey for all attendees, blessing them with journey mercies as they returned to their homes.
Lastly the newlyweds couple, Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima filled with emotion and gratitude, expressed their appreciation to everyone who had supported them during their journey to marriage. Surrounded by smiling faces and heartfelt wishes, Hon. Mustapha addressed the gathering with humility and thankfulness.
“We are truly blessed to have so many loved ones standing with us today,” he said. “Your prayers, love, and sacrifices mean the world to us. To those who travelled long distances, may your journey back be safe and peaceful.”
Sister Fatima, radiating grace and joy, echoed with heartfelt thanks to the families, friends, and well-wishers who made the day so special.
In a touching moment, the couple, Hon. Mustapha and Sister Fatima directed particular appreciation toward Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku for her extraordinary support and genuine kindness throughout their weeding preparations and on the wedding day itself. “Words cannot fully express our gratitude,” Hon. Mustapha said.
“May God reward you abundantly for your generosity, warmth, and encouragement. Your presence, support and prayers have added great meaning to our union, thank you so much Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku.”Hon. Mustapha added.
Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, says Ijaw Nation is not at war with the federal government or President Bola Tinubu.
Dickson spoke on Saturday after his visit to Siminalaye Fubara, suspended governor of Rivers, at his residence in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The lawmaker pleaded with Tinubu to prevail on Nyesom Wike, minister of FCT, and Fubara to find a common ground for a quick resolution of their dispute.
“On the part of the President, I would like to state that the Ijaw nation is not at war with the federal government or with the President,and we are looking up to him as the leader of the nation to lead in the resolution of the issues and restore normalcy and democratic rule,” the statement reads.
“I call on all leaders from the Niger Delta both at the state and national level to play an active part in the resolution of this issue.”
He noted that the Niger Deltans and Ijaw Nation have always seen the president as a partner and not a foe irrespective of party differences.
Dickson also appealed with Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, to refrain from actions that do not build confidence or aid the quick resolution of the crisis in the state.
He thanked the people of Rivers and security personnel for maintaining peace and order in the midst of such “rare political development”.
“In this regard, I want to appeal to all our people, the youths of Rivers state, and in particular the youths of Ijaw nation, in Rivers state and across the Niger Delta, from Arugbo in Ondo state, to Ibeno in Akwa Ibom state, to continue to be peaceful and resist any provocation or incitement to violence,” he added.
“They should refrain from violence and destructive tendencies, particularly the destruction and vandalization of strategic oil and gas infrastructure in the region, which has the tendency to cause further pollution-damage to our already compromised environment.
“I also urge the sole administrator, who himself is a highly decorated and respected military veteran from the Niger Delta region, to refrain from actions that do not build confidence and aid the quick and amicable resolution of the crisis.”
Dickson has been vocal about his stance on the emergency rule in Rivers. He staged a walkout from the upper legislative chamber prior to its approval by the senate.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has listed Nigeria and nine other countries as countries to be affected as it will cut 20% of its staff due to a shortfall of $58 million.
The U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher revealed this as he briefed staff after OCHA’s largest donor – the United States – cut funding.
“OCHA currently has a workforce of around 2,600 staff in over 60 countries. The funding shortfall means we are looking to regroup to an organization of around 2,100 staff in fewer locations,” Fletcher wrote in a note to staff on Thursday, as reported by Reuters.
OCHA works to mobilise aid, share information, support aid efforts, and advocate for those in need during a crisis. It relies heavily on voluntary contributions.
“The U.S. alone has been the largest humanitarian donor for decades, and the biggest contributor to OCHA’s programme budget,” Fletcher said, noting that its annual contribution of $63 million would have accounted for 20% of OCHA’s extrabudgetary resources in 2025.
Since returning to office in January for a second term, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has slashed billions of dollars in foreign assistance in a review that aimed to ensure programs align with his “America First” foreign policy.
Fletcher said OCHA would “focus more of our resources in the countries where we work,” but would work in fewer places.
“OCHA will scale back our presence and operations in Cameroon, Colombia, Eritrea, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Gaziantep (in Turkey) and Zimbabwe,” Fletcher said.
“As we all know, these exercises are driven by funding cuts announced by Member States and not by a reduction of needs,” he said. “Humanitarian needs are on the rise and have perhaps never been higher, driven by conflicts, climate crises, disease, and the lack of respect of international humanitarian law.”
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last month announced a new initiative to improve efficiency and cut costs as the world body turns 80 this year amid a cash crisis.