Igbo elders write Akpabio on state police

2026-03-05 - 03:36

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu NNEWI — THE United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide, has written an open letter to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on its position on state police and what it called “its Constitutional Establishment.” UNIEC, in the letter titled “Open Letter to the Senate President on the Constitutional Establishment of State Police in the Federal Republic of Nigeria” signed by its Chairman and Director-General, His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, reminded the Senate President that security remains the foremost constitutional responsibility of government, and to achieve that, the establishment of state police is imperative. UNIEC’s letter read: “Your Excellency, Distinguished Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. On behalf of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide, we extend respectful greetings and profound appreciation to your esteemed office and the distinguished members of the Senate for your historic commitment to constitutional reform aimed at establishing State Police, within the framework of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “At this defining moment in our nation’s democratic evolution, the resolve of the Senate to advance amendments to the Constitution reflects courage, foresight, and legislative statesmanship. “The security challenges confronting our nation demand bold and well-considered reforms, decentralised policing, properly structured with safeguards that represent a pragmatic pathway toward strengthening internal security architecture. “We also acknowledge the constructive alignment between the Legislature and the Executive, particularly the visionary call by President Bola Tinubu, advocating for the institutionalisation of State Police with embedded accountability mechanisms to preserve national cohesion and prevent abuse. Such synergy between arms of government signals a unified national determination to secure lives, protect property, and restore public confidence in governance. “The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) firmly holds that security remains the foremost constitutional responsibility of government, and it can only be properly achieved with State Police. Decentralised policing aligns with the principles of true federalism and local responsiveness. “Carefully embedded constitutional safeguards can ensure professionalism, discipline, and non-partisanship. We therefore commend the Senate’s commitment to conclude the constitutional amendment process within the stipulated timeframe and urge that the reform be guided by justice, equity, and institutional integrity. “We respectfully recommend, foundational pillars for the establishment of State Police, clear checks and balances against partisan misuse and independent oversight mechanisms at both the state and federal levels. “Others include uniform national standards for recruitment, training, discipline, and operational conduct. We also recommend defined judicial and legislative oversight structures and explicit protections for minority and vulnerable communities, a sustainable and transparent funding framework. “Such provisions will ensure that the reform strengthens grassroots intelligence, enhances rapid response capacity, and builds community trust nationwide. “In the spirit of national unity and constructive engagement, the Elderly Supreme Council of the United Igbo Elders Council UNIEC) respectfully requests the privilege of a solidarity visit to your distinguished office at the National Assembly.” “The purpose of this visit would be to formally present our Council’s commendation and endorsement. To express intergenerational support for constitutional reforms that strengthen federalism. “The visit will also help us offer traditional blessings and moral encouragement as the Senate advances this historic legislation. We believe such an engagement will further reinforce national cohesion and demonstrate the partnership between traditional elder statesmanship and democratic governance. “Your Excellency, may history record this season as one in which courageous leadership prevailed in strengthening the security architecture of our beloved nation. Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem and patriotic solidarity”