Emmanuel seeks decentralisation of Police to curb insecurity

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has advocated for decentralisation of the Police Force to tame rising insecurity in the country. 

Emmanuel, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo, said this at a stakeholder meeting and public hearing on the Transmitted Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bills 2022.

He said the State Government was committed to the making of a new Nigeria through effective participation in the process of the Alteration of the 1999 Constitution (As amended).

He said that it was time for the decentralisation of the police force in order to enable it to establish a  well-equipped and motivated police force to effectively complement the Federal Police.

The governor said that the decentralisation would put an end to the growing insecurity in many parts of the country.

Emmanuel said Akwa Ibom would play a critical role in the making and remaking of the nation’s Constitution, describing it as a cardinal task of nation-building.

The governor described the alteration exercise as an inevitable and solemn act that must be executed since the document was dynamic and will continue to evolve and be shaped by the people and the changing times.

He added that importance should be attached to the education of the young and productive population and improved empowerment of women in order to make for the prosperity of the nation.

Emmanuel called for the control of natural resources by states to engender the development of potentialities and more productivity that will drive the nation’s economic indices in the right direction.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Mr Aniekan Bassey, said that the Fifth Alteration to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) was an important exercise in the state.

The speaker, who represented the deputy speaker, Mrs Felicia Bassey, added that the Alteration to the Constitution proposal required the approval of two-thirds of the 36 states of the Federation for it to be passed.

He said the stakeholder’s meeting was borne out of the resolve of the 7th Assembly to run participatory, inclusive and people-centred legislation.