State Policing Won’t End Insecurity, Tackle Poverty First, ADP Chieftain Tells Tinubu

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A chieftain of the opposition Action Democratic Party (ADP) and a United States-based entrepreneur, Chris Emejuru, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise caution over the proposed establishment of state police, arguing that tackling poverty should take priority in the government’s efforts to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

Emejuru maintained that while state policing could potentially contribute to addressing security challenges, it would not, on its own, resolve the underlying causes of insecurity across the country.

“No amount of bullets, weapons, or tanks will put food in the stomach of a desperate youth. Once you address poverty in the country, insecurity will reduce,” he said.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the ADP chieftain argued that the Federal Government should devote as much attention and resources to poverty reduction as it is committing to the proposed state police system.

According to him, addressing widespread poverty, unemployment and economic desperation would significantly reduce the conditions that drive young people into criminality and other forms of insecurity.

The Rivers State-born businessman said empowerment and access to economic opportunities could change the priorities of vulnerable youths by replacing desperation with hope and productive engagement.

“When there is empowerment, there is less desperation. Priorities will also change. Instead of looking for food, a youth will find opportunity. Instead of struggling to find hope, people will find work in abundance,” he said.

Emejuru cautioned that the proposed state policing arrangement should be subjected to appropriate constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse and political interference.

“The issue regarding State Policing in Nigeria should proceed with caution. It is a development that has potential but will not solve all of the security challenges facing Nigerians,” he said.

He noted that although state policing is not yet established within the existing constitutional framework, safeguards would be necessary to ensure that the proposed reform is not hijacked by corrupt or politically motivated forces.

“This is strategically necessary and well intended, but underlying issues need to be addressed,” he added.

Emejuru identified poverty reduction as one of the most critical measures required to address Nigeria’s insecurity crisis, urging the government to explore innovative approaches to supporting vulnerable Nigerians.

He suggested the use of artificial intelligence-enabled technology to identify and channel funds to the most vulnerable citizens, greater economic diversification and transparent mobilisation of resources from other sectors to improve living standards.

He also advocated grants for operators in the informal sector, which he said could strengthen businesses and ultimately provide greater economic opportunities for Nigerians.

“These are some ways to resolve the insecurity issue in Nigeria. By focusing on policies that make a difference in people’s lives because people’s lives come first,” he said.

While acknowledging that state policing could be a welcome development if properly structured and implemented, Emejuru maintained that poverty reduction should remain at the centre of the government’s strategy for building a more stable and secure Nigeria.

“State Policing could be a welcome development, but more effort into reducing poverty will make the biggest difference in creating a more stable and secure Nigeria,” he said.