Makinde calls for proper funding of Nigeria police to perform optimally

Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has advocated for proper funding of Nigeria Police Force to perform its functions optimally in the country, stating that security is essential for development.

Speaking on Tuesday at a 2-day retreat organized by Police Service Commission (PSC), with the theme: ‘Civilian Oversight In Nigeria Retreat’, which was held at IITA, Ibadan, the Governor said Nigeria Police force is not adequately funded, remunerated and kitted by federal government which has made criminals to be one or two steps ahead of them.

Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, posited that state government has been assisting Nigeria police to perform its operation.

According to him, NPF doesn’t have enough in terms of weaponry, technology, accommodation and welfare among other operational exigencies which remains a major challenge for the police.

While maintaining that Nigeria has the capacity and resources to make provisions for the police, the Deputy Governor added that chapter 4 of the Nigerian constitution is very key to oversight functions and the responsibilities of the Nigerian police.

He said: “Since the inception of the Makinde administration in 2019, we have really taking the issue of security as a sine-qua non for the development of Oyo state. And we have provided and supported the Nigeria police command in the state.

“If you go to the headquarters of Nigeria Police force in Eleyele area of Ibadan, you will see that the state government had tarred the road network.

“We have also purchased operational vehicles for all the DPOs and area commands in Oyo state. We do not take the issue of security for granted in the state.

“We have swift response squad and we have donated this to the Nigeria police and funding it incase of distress calls to respond very fast and adequately, as well as making provisions of complete outfits to monitor whatever is happening at every nooks and cranny of the state.

“As you know that criminals hide in the dark, we have also embarked on a project which we tagged light up Oyo state to ensure adequate security within our communities and we have provided further incentives to Nigeria police force who are working in Oyo state.”

The Deputy Governor, who modified the theme of the event as ‘Citizens Oversight In Nigeria’, however stressed the need of police and Nigeria citizens to know their right, adding that Nigeria police force is always on the spotlight of scrutiny in the performance of its duties.

He charged participants at the retreat to come up with a solution that will tackle the challenges Nigeria police is facing while also directing them on section 214 of Nigeria constitution for the security of a common Nigerian on the street.

“This retreat is so crucial and important and whatever is the outcome, we believe it will help Oyo state. So, on behalf of Governor Seyi makinde, I declare the retreat open.”

The event was attended by representatives of the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abass; Governor’s Forum, Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on security matters, Taiwo Owoseni and host of others.