Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank, has expressed his support for Nigeria’s bold move towards establishing state police forces in order to combat rising insecurity. The agreement between the federal government and the governors of the country’s 36 states has garnered significant attention and is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the security challenges faced by Nigeria.
Peterside took to social media platform X to endorse the decision, stating that the establishment of State Policing alongside Federal Policing is long overdue. He emphasized the urgency and necessity of this development, asserting that it is better late than never.
The historic agreement emerged from an emergency meeting in Abuja, led by President Bola Tinubu and attended by influential figures such as Vice President Kashim Shettima and several state governors. Among them were Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Ubah Sani of Kaduna, and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.
Following the meeting, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, shed light on the discussions, revealing that there are ongoing discussions between the federal and state governments regarding the possibility of establishing state police forces. This collaborative effort demonstrates a collective commitment to addressing the security challenges faced by Nigeria.
Idris also highlighted improvements in the overall security situation in the country, noting that farmers are returning to previously insecure lands. He credited the dedicated work of Nigeria’s security agencies for this positive change and expressed gratitude towards their efforts.
Apart from security, the meeting also tackled the critical issue of the nation’s food supply. President Tinubu directed key security officials to collaborate with state governors in addressing the hoarding of food commodities. This action is part of a larger initiative to ensure Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in food production and reduce reliance on imports.
Idris emphasized the ongoing commitment of President Tinubu and the state governors to these dialogues, stressing the importance of collective engagement and interaction in addressing issues of national importance.
The move towards establishing state police forces in Nigeria is a significant step towards dealing with the country’s security challenges. With the support of influential figures like Atedo Peterside, there is hope that this decision will lead to improved security and stability across the nation. The collaborative spirit demonstrated at the meeting in Abuja reflects a concerted effort to address national issues and find sustainable solutions.
As Nigeria moves forward with this important development, it is expected that further discussions and concrete steps will be taken to implement state policing effectively. The establishment of state police forces has the potential to enhance security at the local level, improve law enforcement efficiency, and ultimately contribute to a safer and more secure Nigeria.
