<p><strong>The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called for strong constitutional safeguards, independent oversight and sustainable funding in the proposed establishment of state police.</strong></p>
<p>Ike made the call on Tuesday while delivering a speech at the 2nd Annual Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps, with the theme, “The Imperative for State Police: Securing Communities, Strengthening Federalism.”</p><p class="ari-link"><strong>Read also:</strong> <a href="https://sparknewsdaily.com.ng/oba-lagos-traditional-council-get-inecs-enlistment-as-partners-in-peace/">Oba, Lagos Traditional Council Get INEC&#8217;s Enlistment as Partners in Peace</a></p>
<p>She said the success of state police would depend not only on bringing policing closer to the people but also on ensuring that such forces operate within clearly defined legal and accountability frameworks.</p>
<p>According to her, the proposed system should be guided by constitutional amendments and legislation clearly defining the jurisdiction, powers and relationship between state and federal police formations.</p>
<p>Ike also advocated national standards for recruitment, training and discipline, alongside independent oversight bodies and civilian review mechanisms empowered to investigate abuses and enforce accountability.</p>
<p>She warned that without such safeguards, the establishment of state police could create new challenges even as it seeks to address existing security concerns.</p>
<p>“State police must be rooted in respect for human rights and community-policing principles so that they protect citizens rather than intimidate them,” she said.</p><p class="ari-link"><strong>Read also:</strong> <a href="https://sparknewsdaily.com.ng/first-lady-oluremi-tinubu-in-anambra-and-imo-championing-a-shared-vision-of-inclusive-development/">First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Anambra and Imo: Championing a Shared Vision of Inclusive Development</a></p></p>
<p>The NUJ FCT chairman said state police could also ease the pressure on the Nigeria Police Force by enabling policing strategies to reflect the specific security realities of different communities.</p>
<p>She noted that the security challenges of riverine communities in the Niger Delta were different from those of metropolitan areas in Lagos or farming communities in the Middle Belt, making locally responsive policing important.</p>
<p>Ike further called on state governments to provide sustainable funding for policing while strengthening anti-corruption measures in procurement, recruitment and payroll management.</p>
<p>She stressed the importance of shared intelligence systems, joint task forces and mutual-aid arrangements between states, noting that criminal activities often transcend state boundaries.</p>
<p>The NUJ FCT chairman also urged the media and civil society to play an active role in scrutinising the state police proposal, holding public officials accountable and bringing citizens’ experiences into the national debate.</p>
<p>She said the discussion should be inclusive, transparent and evidence-based rather than treated as a temporary political conversation.</p>
<p class="ari-link"><strong>Read also:</strong> <a href="https://sparknewsdaily.com.ng/bianca-obasanjo-escort-ex-sierra-leone-president-koroma-back-to-freetown/">Bianca, Obasanjo Escort Ex-Sierra Leone President Koroma Back to Freetown</a></p><p>“Our goal is not merely a change of structure; it is a change that delivers safety, trust and justice for Nigerians,” Ike added.</p>
<p>She maintained that state police, if implemented with constitutional rigour, effective oversight, adequate resources and respect for human rights, could contribute to community security and strengthen Nigeria’s federal system.</p>

State Police Must Be Built on Accountability, Human Rights — Grace Ike
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