₦airaland Forum

We have not forgotten the N1 = $1 scam that the APC sold to Nigerians. Today, the dollar is around N1,340—not even close to the N220 exchange rate they inherited.

So, Sowore, I don’t think Nigerians will fall for this kind of political scam again. Your apparent pathway to the presidency seems to be built largely around attacking and abusing other presidential candidates rather than presenting a credible, convincing vision for Nigeria.

Nigerians deserve better than recycled promises, political insults, and another round of empty rhetoric.

Some enlightened Nigerians may consciously suppress their ethnic biases, but sometimes those feelings surface unconsciously and reveal what is truly in their hearts. As the saying goes, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

In Omotola’s interview, her deliberate emphasis on identifying the tribe in that particular context raises questions about whether there was an underlying ethnic bias. She could have made the same point without specifically mentioning “Igbo.” If the tribe was not relevant to the issue being discussed, what purpose did mentioning it serve?

It is worth reflecting on why that particular detail was emphasized, especially given the sensitive ethnic tensions that already exist in Nigeria.

Nigeria is a funny place!

Politicians have poisoned our minds so badly that, too often, we fail to see the humanity, decency, and gentleness in people simply because they hold different political opinions or support different ambitions.

We should encourage this kind of behaviour, even if you do not support Obi. The broader implication is important: a political environment that tolerates and respects opponents who are fellow citizens ultimately benefits us all.

Politics should not make us enemies. We can disagree passionately on ideas and still recognise each other’s humanity. A healthier political culture begins with learning to disagree without hatred.

I still watch, especially because of the happy ending of most of them.

Thanks to Rufai, I never knew the PDP had a presidential candidate. But that’s by the way.

I believe one of the reasons we, as a country, continue to suffer is because we are repulsive to the truth. We are often more comfortable accommodating and living happily with lies, propaganda, and make-believe than confronting uncomfortable realities.

We have also created a society where the system revolves around “big men” and “big women.” Institutions can no longer punish defaulters because the “big man” syndrome has weakened accountability and allowed people with influence to operate above the rules.

Look at Wike, for example—blatantly engaging in what many would describe as anti-party activities. Someone called him out for it, and instead of the PDP listening to the criticism, investigating the allegations, and perhaps even applauding Rufai for drawing attention to a genuine concern, the party is threatening a defamation lawsuit.

This is the problem.

We have reached a point where telling the truth is treated as an offence, while wrongdoing is protected when the person involved has the right connections.

Truly, we have lost both the war and the battle—not because solutions are unavailable, but because we have become too comfortable defending the very things destroying us.

When VDM stated the obvious truth, some bloody haters revealed their true colours.

Crime shouldn’t pay, but in Nigeria, the government has allowed crime to become a lucrative business. Citizens feel hopeless and powerless, and the cycle will only continue.

The solutions are known to the government, but as long as some government officials and security agencies are deeply involved in these criminal networks, little or nothing will change. Until there is genuine political will to confront those benefiting from insecurity, Nigerians will continue to suffer.

Here they come again, the same lies APC told in 2015 to hoodwink Nigerians same lies they are marketing again.

Sadly some will still buy it, sad, so sad!

For such an incident not to be repeated, and to serve as a deterrent to others, the cleric should be arrested and prosecuted. For a state institution to be present when such hateful and inciting statements were made and fail to condemn them is, in my view, an impeachable offense.

The President should demonstrate statesmanship by condemning, in the strongest possible terms, these hateful and inciting statements. If he fails to do so, it would raise serious questions about whether he supports or condones such sentiments. If that is the case, then he not should seek the votes of the very people he considers “infidels.”

Passionate888:
id this MTN ODU different from the MTN fibre X?

Yes, it for areas where fibre x has not reached

Shidinky:
Thoughts it aritel ?

Unlimited?

MTN has also and it's unlimited

Get mtn ODU, is what I use and it pretty fast, I average 80mbps, 40k for 100mbps

for those who are conscious of i am right and you are wrong, your answer is just as valid as everyone else. The question allows for different interpretations, so there can be multiple correct possibilities—whether it's a circle, a square without a border, or even another shape, depending on the reasoning. The important thing is to be confident in your explanation rather than assuming every different answer is wrong.

not many people will make meaningful comment here because they don't know the implication of this mismanagement or corruption.

This revelation by the IMF exposes one of the biggest problems destroying the lives of ordinary Nigerians, a lack of transparency and accountability in government spending. When expenditures worth about 2% of GDP can happen outside proper budget records, it raises serious questions about how public funds are being managed by Tinubu government.

For the average Nigerian struggling with high food prices, unemployment, poor healthcare, bad roads, unreliable power supply, and rising costs of living, these are not just accounting errors — they represent opportunities lost. Every untracked naira could have been a classroom, a hospital, a road, support for small businesses, or relief for struggling families.

A government that demands sacrifice from citizens through subsidy removal, higher taxes, and economic reforms must also show discipline and honesty in how it manages public resources. Transparency cannot be optional.

This is why corruption remains deeply entrenched in this Tinubu system: billions can move through unclear channels like the gbajagate while ordinary Nigerians are asked to endure hardship in the name of economic reform and recovery. No nation can build trust when citizens feel the burden while those in power avoid accountability.

Nigeria does not lack resources; it suffers from poor management, waste, and a political culture where public money too often escapes proper scrutiny. Until accountability becomes stronger than corruption, ordinary Nigerians will continue to pay the price for the failures of leadership.

It is not enough to accuse anybody of wrongdoing; allegations must always be backed with credible evidence. In a society governed by fairness and justice, accusations alone should not be treated as proof of guilt. Every individual deserves the opportunity to respond, and every allegation must go through proper investigation before conclusions are made.

However, we must also recognise that this is a period where many allegations concerning the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, may begin to surface—some may be valid, while others may be false or politically motivated. In situations like this, there is always the possibility that several unrelated or weak allegations could emerge, intentionally or unintentionally distracting the public from the major issues that require serious attention.

In fact, one concern is that a flood of questionable accusations can sometimes have the effect of weakening genuine concerns. When false allegations are mixed with legitimate ones, it creates confusion and gives room for people to dismiss everything as mere political attacks. That is why Nigerians must be careful to separate rumours from issues that require proper institutional investigation.

We should not lose focus on the allegations raised by Adeniyi. The important question remains: has there been a transparent process to investigate the claims and provide Nigerians with clear answers? Public trust is not restored by silence or denial alone; it is restored through openness, accountability, and due process.

This is why the call on the Presidency is not necessarily about declaring anyone guilty without evidence. Rather, it is about doing what is morally and institutionally appropriate. When serious allegations surround a high-ranking government official, especially someone occupying an office as sensitive as the Chief of Staff to the President, the government must act in a way that protects the integrity of that office.

A temporary suspension to allow for an independent investigation should not be viewed as punishment; it should be seen as a commitment to transparency. It sends a message that public institutions are bigger than individuals and that accountability applies to everyone, regardless of their closeness to power.

The Presidency has an opportunity to restore some level of public confidence and demonstrate a modicum of moral responsibility. Nigerians are not asking for a media trial; they are asking for a system where allegations are investigated properly, truth is established, and those entrusted with public office are held to the highest standards.

The President has done well in this regard by taking steps to avert what could have developed into another serious crisis. I sincerely appreciate this intervention because, for those who understand the history of Warri, we know the painful consequences of unresolved conflict.

Since the crisis that engulfed Warri in 1999, the city has never truly recovered to its full potential. A city that was once known for its vibrancy, commercial activities, nightlife, hospitality, and opportunities suffered greatly. Businesses relocated, investments slowed down, trust was damaged, and many residents experienced the long-term effects of division and instability.

That is why every effort aimed at promoting peace, fairness, and understanding among the people must be encouraged. For this, I say kudos to the Federal Government for choosing dialogue and a solution-oriented approach rather than allowing tension to escalate.

At the end of the day, we must understand that no community truly benefits from conflict. We all need to coexist in a society built on fairness, justice, and mutual respect. Regardless of our differences, the prosperity and development of Warri should remain our common goal. A thriving city benefits everyone—creating jobs, attracting investors, improving infrastructure, and giving the younger generation hope for a better future.

Now that steps are being taken toward peace, the political leaders, traditional institutions, business community, and stakeholders in Warri must begin to shift their focus toward economic rehabilitation. The conversation should move from division to development. We need deliberate policies and investments that will revive industries, attract businesses, improve security, create employment, and restore confidence in the city.

Warri has enormous potential. Its strategic location, human capital, oil and gas history, commercial strength, and resilient people are assets that can drive a major comeback if properly harnessed.

Many of us still remember the once lively Warri—the city full of energy, business activities, entertainment, and opportunities. We want to experience that Warri again. But achieving this requires unity, visionary leadership, and a collective decision that the progress of the city is bigger than any individual or group interest.

Peace is the foundation, but development must be the destination. Let this moment become the beginning of a renewed Warri where everyone can participate, contribute, and prosper together.

The sad part is that the Presidency does not appear embarrassed by these allegations, and I can boldly say that if this pattern continues, corrupt practices will not cease anytime soon. When corruption is not properly investigated and punished, it creates a fertile ground for even more grievous acts of corruption to flourish.

History has shown that impunity is one of the greatest enablers of corruption. When public officials believe that allegations against them will simply fade away without consequences, it removes the fear of accountability. It sends a dangerous message that those close to power can act without fear of sanctions.

This is not the first time the Chief of Staff has faced allegations involving kickbacks and questionable dealings, yet there has been no visible consequence. If previous accusations were not properly investigated and addressed, what exactly would discourage a repeat of such behaviour? Accountability should not depend on political closeness or loyalty; it should be the foundation of public service.

If the Presidency, especially the President, truly wants to demonstrate a commitment to transparency and ethical leadership, the proper thing would be to suspend any official facing serious allegations to allow for an independent investigation. Such a step is not a declaration of guilt; rather, it protects the integrity of the office, prevents possible interference, and reassures Nigerians that nobody is above scrutiny.

What makes this situation even more painful and frustrating is the economic reality facing ordinary Nigerians. The government constantly speaks about revenue shortages and continues to borrow money to fund national obligations, yet citizens keep hearing allegations of waste, mismanagement, and funds being directed toward questionable or allegedly non-existent projects and agencies.

At the end of the day, it is the struggling Nigerian people who bear the burden. It is the citizens dealing with high costs of living, increased taxes, inflation, and economic hardship who will eventually pay back these loans. That is why corruption in government is not just a political issue—it directly affects the food on people’s tables, the quality of public services, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and the future of the next generation.

Leadership requires more than occupying an office; it requires moral courage, accountability, and the willingness to hold even close allies responsible. A government that demands sacrifice from its citizens must first show that it is willing to sacrifice political convenience in the pursuit of justice and good governance.

For these reasons, I reiterate and support the call made by His Excellency Peter Obi demanding greater accountability at the highest level of government, including his call for the President to resign where leadership fails to uphold the standards Nigerians deserve.

Many Nigerians are reacting to this case based on political loyalty rather than on principle. Some are pleased with El-Rufai's incarceration because they believe he is no longer aligned with their preferred political camp. Others are defending him because they see him as someone fighting against their perceived political opponents. This is a dangerous way to view issues in a constitutional democracy.

We should not judge cases through the lens of political affiliation or personal sentiments. Instead, every matter should be examined on its merits, with one fundamental question in mind: **Is the rule of law being respected?** That should be the concern of every Nigerian, regardless of who is involved.

Today it is El-Rufai. Tomorrow it could be someone else. One day, it could even be you or me. When we celebrate the erosion of due process simply because it affects someone we dislike, we create a precedent that can eventually be used against everyone.

The case of Dasuki remains a reminder of why this principle matters. Regardless of anyone's opinion about him, prolonged incarceration without due process, trial, or conviction raised serious concerns about respect for the rule of law. Whether it was Dasuki yesterday, El-Rufai today, or another public figure tomorrow, the standard must remain the same. Justice should never depend on the identity of the accused or the political interests of those in power.

The rule of law exists to ensure fairness, protect fundamental rights, prevent arbitrary use of state power, and guarantee that justice is administered according to established legal procedures. It is one of the strongest safeguards against oppression and abuse of power.

This does not mean that anyone accused of wrongdoing should be above the law. If there is credible evidence against any individual, they should be investigated and prosecuted. However, the process must be lawful, transparent, and fair. The rights guaranteed by the Constitution should not be sacrificed for political convenience or public applause.

As citizens, we should resist applauding actions that undermine legal principles simply because they target people we disagree with. If we normalize the selective application of justice, we gradually weaken the institutions that protect us all. History has repeatedly shown that governments that disregard due process in pursuit of political objectives often become increasingly authoritarian.

A nation is not judged by how it treats those who are popular or politically aligned with those in power, but by how faithfully it upholds justice, even for those who are unpopular. The rule of law is not meant to protect only our friends; it exists to protect everyone. When we defend it consistently, we defend our own freedoms as well.

How does a government impose a strict "embargo on general civil service recruitment" for the average, struggling Nigerian, only to secretly hand out a waiver to a "controversial" council to hire 300 staff members is purely devilish?

The behavior of the government's media handlers and social media defenders in the wake of this is pure gaslighting.

The police deflection is another scripted action. Filing an 8-count criminal charge against Adeyemi after the media exposes the N1.3 billion budget allocation is classic damage control. It is an attempt to scapegoat one man to hide a wider, systemic racket. If Adeyemi is a fraud, who approved his budget? Who signed the civil service recruitment waiver? Why aren't the government officials who enabled him also in handcuffs?

For the praise-singers and supporters who continuously tweet and shout about the "visionary leadership" and "economic reforms" of President Bola Tinubu, this is a harsh reality check. While everyday Nigerians are told to "endure" skyrocketing inflation, fuel prices, and economic hardship, government insiders are allegedly printing job waivers, approving billions for ghost councils, and arguing over hundreds of millions in appointment bribes.

How did we get here as a nation? This whole situation exposes a deeply broken system. The Presidency wants us to believe this man was just a lone rogue operator, but think about the logistics: this 'non-existent' council allegedly had a budget allocation and operated an office right inside the Federal Secretariat. You don't just walk into a secure government building and set up shop without the umbrella protection of highly powerful individuals within the villa.

The hypocrisy here is staggering. President Tinubu’s allies and the media once ran to the market square screaming about corruption during the Jonathan era. Yet today, we are witnessing an unprecedented, institutionalized level of fraud, and that very same vicious media has suddenly lost its voice. This administration and its incompetent cabinet have failed on every front. From systemic corruption to the collapsing economy, nothing is working, and everything is heading south. It’s time for them to honorably vacate the presidency.

Sugarboyy:
So because it's an election year every policies by the government for the good of the citizens should be put on hold till after the election? Should the FG also put on hold the reconstruction of several road projects currently ongoing in the country, including the 2nd Niger bridge access roads, the Sokoto/Badagry super Highway and the recently approved 27 road all over the country till after the election?
Then lastly, All over the world, government comes up with policies for the betterment of the citizens even with just a day to an election.
Trump has just ended the Iran war because it's clear that that Republicans will be losing at their next poll. Trump should have waited till after the election before ending the war, even at the detriment of the whole world?

Nice attempt at a strawman argument, but nobody said ongoing infrastructure projects should be put on hold. There is a massive difference between everyday governance and a sudden, desperate fiscal U-turn on import duties right before an election cycle.

As for Trump—you literally just admitted he ended the war because the Republicans were losing ground ahead of the midterms. Thank you for proving my point! It wasn't done out of sudden love for humanity; it was a desperate political calculation to salvage an election. That is exactly what this duty reduction is. We will take the cheap cars, but don't expect us to clap for a government that only remembers our welfare when their jobs are on the line in 2027.

Sugarboyy:
It feels like it's too late? Are you dying tomorrow?

Everyone's 'tomorrow' is guaranteed to come, but that doesn't mean we should tolerate bad governance today. Asking if I'm dying tomorrow completely misses the point. The policy is too late because the economic damage has already been done over the last three years. We shouldn't have to wait until the brink of an election year to see policies that actually benefit everyday people

A fantastic and long-overdue initiative—slashing car duties will definitely ease the burden on everyday citizens. However, it’s quite telling that it took this government over 3 years of crushing economic pressure to finally implement a pro-people policy. It feels like too little, too late. If the 2027 elections are truly free and fair, they’ll find out that Nigerians have long memories, and a last-minute tariff cut won't automatically erase years of hardship at the ballot box

This recent exposure of terrorism financiers is not a novel revelation; it is a painful repetition of history. When external intelligence—such as the landmark reports from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—identified entities funding local terror cells, the state apparatus responded with bureaucratic foot-dragging and strategic disregard. By shelving actionable intelligence on the financial lifelines of terrorism while insurgencies fester, the government essentially permits the bloodshed to continue. The standard pattern of "talking tough" and issuing hollow condemnations post-attack has become an empty ritual that yields zero deterrence.

Nigeria does not lack regulatory frameworks or specialized institutions; it suffers from deliberate institutional paralysis. The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), alongside corresponding security and anti-graft agencies, must move beyond being mere administrative placeholders. When statutory bodies fail to freeze assets, disrupt domestic funding pipelines, and secure high-conviction rates for sponsors of terror, they cease to be instruments of national security. Instead, they transform into parasitic entities, draining the nation's lean fiscal resources to fund an expansive bureaucracy that offers no tangible safety to the taxpayer.

The Bottom Line: Tough rhetoric after a massacre is an admission of failure, not a sign of strength. If the state wishes to reclaim its legitimacy, it must aggressively target the boardrooms and bank accounts driving this violence, proving that the lives of Nigerians are non-negotiable.

While the initial instinct might be to avoid the authorities out of fear that they will be more concerned about extorting the you the victim the more, the most appropriate and effective course of action is still to formally report the matter to the police and commit to a thorough follow-through.
To ensure the case receives the right attention and is handled with accountability, please consider the following approach:

File an Official Report. Present the facts clearly and ensure the incident is formally documented.

Maintain Consistent Follow-Up. Do not let the matter rest after the initial filing; actively track its progress.

Engage the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO):** Establish and maintain open communication with the police public relations department. This adds a layer of institutional oversight and ensures transparency.

Please endeavor to keep us updated on any developments or progress. Sharing your journey provides invaluable insights, helping others learn how to navigate the system effectively and relearn the importance of civic engagement.

This is exactly why high-profile investigations in this country lead to dead ends. Why rush to the media when your own statement admits you haven't identified the source, the owners, or the final recipients?

By parading these four suspects and announcing the seizure, the police have effectively tipped off the masterminds. Every major player connected to this shipment is destroying evidence and going underground right now. You have to ask yourself: is this just a classic case of prioritizing media PR over actual police work, or is it a calculated move to compromise the investigation before the trail leads to influential figures?

helinues:
You can actually start the revolution with your family, the seriousness might grab national attention

Every major historical shift started with a single household, a single community, or a single voice while cynics like you sat on the sidelines mocking them. If the concept of starting small is 'shallow' to you, it’s only because you lack the depth to see how real movements are built. Change has to start somewhere—I’m sorry your imagination stops at your front door.

tunjijones:
You know you are also a Nigerian and you are a coward too.

in your bid to attack him, you fail to understand that he called himself a coward as well.

President Tinubu may not be a prefect to state governors, but that argument becomes difficult to sustain when we have seen instances where the Federal Government has exercised enormous influence in state affairs. In the case of Port Harcourt and the political developments in Rivers State, the Presidency was far more than a prefect. That is why many Nigerians see a contradiction in the claim that the President is not a prefect.

Yes, governors should be held accountable. State Houses of Assembly should perform their oversight functions. Local government funds should be transparently managed. No reasonable person disputes that. However, accountability is not a zero-sum game. Holding governors accountable does not absolve the President of his own constitutional responsibilities.

Security remains one of the greatest concerns facing Nigerians today. The police, military, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions are under the authority of the Federal Government. Nigerians are being killed, kidnapped, displaced, and subjected to worsening insecurity across many parts of the country. Citizens are therefore justified in demanding answers and leadership from the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief.

The economic realities are equally harsh. Rising inflation, unemployment, the declining purchasing power of citizens, and the high cost of living have placed immense pressure on millions of Nigerians. These are national issues that require national leadership.

Therefore, while citizens must demand accountability from governors and local government chairmen, they must also hold the President accountable for the responsibilities assigned to his office. Both levels of government have obligations to the people.

Reducing the conversation to "blame your governor" oversimplifies the challenges confronting the nation. Nigerians deserve accountability from every elected official, not selective accountability depending on political convenience.

What is truly sickening is not merely the investigation of former public officials like dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for alleged misappropriation of public funds, but the fact that such investigations have become a recurring feature of our national life. The frequency with which former governors, ministers, and other public office holders are linked to allegations involving billions or even trillions of naira speaks volumes about the erosion of integrity, accountability, and moral values in our public institutions.

Nigerians should not normalize the expectation that those entrusted with public resources will eventually have questions to answer about missing funds. When corruption scandals become routine, it reflects a deeper crisis—not just in government, but in our collective values as a nation.

Equally troubling is the perception that investigations involving politically exposed persons rarely lead to thorough prosecution and meaningful convictions. The EFCC has recorded successes in many areas, but many Nigerians like myself remain unconvinced that the anti-corruption fight is applied consistently, especially when powerful political figures are involved. This perception, whether entirely accurate or not, weakens public confidence in our institutions and fuels the belief that justice is selective.

If Nigeria is to overcome the corruption that continues to undermine development, we must move beyond periodic investigations and media headlines. We need strong institutions that are genuinely independent, transparent procurement processes, effective judicial reforms, and swift prosecution of corruption cases regardless of political affiliation. Most importantly, we must rebuild a culture that values honesty, public service, and accountability from the family unit to the highest levels of government.

Corruption survives where there are weak consequences. It flourishes where political loyalty is rewarded above integrity. Until public office is viewed as a responsibility rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment, Nigeria will continue to struggle with the same challenges.

The fight against corruption cannot be left to the EFCC alone. It requires political will, institutional independence, civic vigilance, and a national commitment to ethical conduct. Only then can we begin to reverse the damage corruption has inflicted on our economy, our institutions, and our future.

What is lacking is fairness, understanding, and a willingness to make sacrifices. We keep searching for political solutions to what has already been given fundamentally a legal solution by the pronouncement of the supreme Court.

Warri is a shadow of its former self because of this same absence of fairness, understanding, and sacrifice. Major oil companies and many other businesses have relocated to more peaceful and hospitable environments, while potential investors continue to stay away. Yet, we seem determined to continue down the same destructive path.

It is quite sad because, tomorrow, we will blame the government for the poor state of the economy, forgetting the role our own actions have played in creating these conditions.

The truth is known by all involved. But instead of embracing it, some prefer to grandstand and play politics with the future of the people of Warri. In the end, it is the ordinary inhabitants who will bear the consequences.

Furthermore, the practice of disrupting the operations of oil companies whenever disputes arise is counterproductive and harmful. Such actions only worsen the nation's economic challenges and create opportunities for unscrupulous businesses to unjustifiably increase the prices of goods and services, placing an even greater burden on ordinary Nigerians.

This approach must stop. Oil companies are legal entities operating within the framework of the law and should not be subjected to harassment or intimidation. Where disagreements exist, they should be addressed through lawful, peaceful, and constructive channels that do not negatively impact the livelihoods of innocent people who have no connection to the dispute.

Sustainable development and economic growth can only thrive in an environment of stability, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.

searchng4love:
Wee you kip quayet dere. Y

Our growing intolerance for opposing views is deeply concerning. We cannot condemn the government for being intolerant of criticism while exhibiting the same behavior ourselves.

A healthy society is built on the free exchange of ideas, not the suppression of opinions we disagree with. We do not have to agree on everything, but we must learn to engage differing perspectives with reason, respect, and maturity.

The true test of our commitment to free speech is not how we treat opinions we like, but how we respond to those we oppose.

State police is not a guarantee of a crime-free society. Crime exists in countries with highly decentralized policing systems just as it exists in countries with centralized policing systems. The effectiveness of law enforcement depends less on who controls the police and more on the quality of institutions, accountability mechanisms, intelligence gathering, training, funding, and the rule of law.

While proponents of state police argue that it will bring security closer to the people and improve local intelligence, there are legitimate concerns about the potential for abuse. In a political environment where democratic institutions are still evolving, placing armed security structures directly under the control of state governments may create opportunities for political intimidation, suppression of opposition voices, election manipulation, and abuse of power.

The fundamental issue facing Nigeria's policing system is not merely its centralized structure but its lack of operational independence. A police force that is truly professional and independent should be loyal to the constitution and the law, not to politicians at any level of government. Whether the police are controlled from Abuja or from state capitals, political interference will continue to undermine effectiveness if institutional safeguards are weak.

What Nigeria urgently needs is a framework that guarantees the actual independence of the police. This should include transparent appointment processes, secure tenure for senior officers, independent oversight bodies, protection from political pressure, improved welfare for personnel, and strict accountability mechanisms for misconduct. Such reforms would allow law enforcement agencies to act professionally without fear or favor.

Security is ultimately a function of strong institutions rather than the level of government that controls them. Creating state police without first addressing the issues of accountability, professionalism, and political interference risks decentralizing the existing problems rather than solving them. The goal should not simply be to create more police forces, but to build security institutions that are independent, competent, accountable, and trusted by the citizens they serve.

A truly independent police force, backed by strong laws and oversight mechanisms, is more likely to deliver lasting security than merely transferring control from the federal government to the states.