Gov. Akpabio: State police panacea to security problems

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom state said the establishment of state police will help check the spate of violent crimes across Nigeria.

“State police remains an answer to the numerous security challenges facing Nigeria. It is the solution to resolving most of the intra-conflicts in the country, Akpabio said in Uyo on Monday.

According to him, “if Kogi had state police, Boko Haram probably would not have reached the state.

“In the Niger Delta, kidnapping would not have reached the level it had reached at that time because indigenes that would make up the force know the criminals among them and would fish them out.

“Every family knows who is who. That is why I say state police remains the answer. ’’

Akpabio argued that in most developed democracy, policing is not controlled by the Federal Government alone, adding that local governments should also have a say in policing.

He insisted that State Governments should be allowed to have their say in matters of policing the country.

The governor pointed out that it was impossible for the Federal Government alone to police 160 million people.

He called for reduction of revenue accruing to Federal Government from the Federation Account, stressing that more money should be given to states and local governments to undertake and complete development projects.

Akpabio, who said that several investors abroad were willing to come to Nigeria, said that the spate of insecurity in the country was a source of worry to potential investors.