State Police: GOMEP-NG Calls for Constitutional Safeguards, Warns Against Political Abuse

By Our Correspondent

The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has called for strong constitutional safeguards to guide the proposed establishment of State Police, warning that the initiative must not be allowed to become a tool for political intimidation or abuse of power.

The Guild stated that while the ongoing national debate on State Police presents an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture, any move toward decentralising policing must be firmly anchored on transparency, accountability, professionalism, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Monday,by it’s Nat’l president, Comr. Akpovoke Otiti and its Nat’l Secretary Prince Clinton Uba  GOMEP-NG noted that the country’s escalating security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, communal conflicts, and other violent crimes, have exposed the limitations of the current centralised policing system, making discussions on State Police both timely and necessary.

According to the President, the media has a critical responsibility to foster informed public discourse by providing factual, balanced, and objective reporting that can assist policymakers and citizens in making well informed decisions on this sensitive national issue.

While acknowledging the potential benefits of State Police in strengthening community policing, improving intelligence gathering, and ensuring rapid response to security threats, GOMEP-NG stressed the need for robust legal safeguards to prevent state controlled police formations from being used against political opponents, journalists, civil society organisations, or ordinary citizens.

The Guild further advocated the establishment of an independent oversight mechanism comprising representatives of the judiciary, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, security experts, and other relevant stakeholders. Such a body, it said, would monitor the operations of State Police and ensure compliance with constitutional provisions and human rights standards.

It also maintained that only states with demonstrable financial capacity, operational infrastructure, and institutional readiness should be permitted to establish and sustain State Police services.

On press freedom, GOMEP-NG emphasised that any new policing framework must guarantee the constitutional rights of journalists and media organisations to operate freely without harassment, intimidation, or undue interference.

The Guild urged the National Assembly to conduct extensive nationwide consultations before considering any constitutional amendment on the matter, noting that broad public participation would enhance legitimacy and strengthen public confidence in the proposed reform.

It further recommended that recruitment into State Police should be merit-based, transparent, and reflective of Nigeria’s diversity, while continuous training in human rights, intelligence gathering, community policing, and ethical law enforcement should be made mandatory.

GOMEP-NG reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible journalism and constructive national dialogue, expressing confidence that with appropriate legal and institutional safeguards, the ongoing debate on State Police could contribute meaningfully to improving security and strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.