OAU Don Cautions Against State Police In Nigeria
A Professor of Literary Theory and Culture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Chijioke Uwasomba, has explained that the idea of State Police in Nigeria could be detrimental to society.
Prof Uwasomba, who spoke at the public presentation of Crime Beat Reporting in Nigeria written by a veteran crime journalist, Mr. Frank Oshanugor, warned against undermining history as doing so, according to him, erodes identity and weakens institutions, including the Nigerian Police.
Outlining the challenges that have undermined the Nigerian Police in years of military interference, inadequate funding, and the emergence of parallel security outfits, Prof Uwasomba argued that introducing State Police without addressing these systemic issues could further destabilise the policing structure in Nigeria.
The State Police option, said the Professor of Culture, is worth cautioning against and worth advising serious police officers against supporting without careful consideration.
Prof Uwasomba spoke at the event, which drew stakeholders from the media, security sector and other institutions and at which Adeshina Bamidele Lawal, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, represented the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu. Lawal highlighted the long-standing partnership between the police and crime reporters.
Commending the author for documenting the evolution of crime reporting, Prof Uwasomba noted that such efforts help preserve history and educate future generations, adding how extremely important journalism is in that regard.
Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.
