Veteran journalists in Kwara State have cautioned governors against using the proposed state police as a political tool, warning that doing so could undermine efforts to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.
The warning came on Wednesday as a correspondent of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mohammed Tunde Akanbi, was elected chairman of the Kwara State chapter of the National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ) for another three-year term.
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Speaking with journalists shortly after the election in Ilorin, Akanbi said state police could become an effective mechanism for tackling insecurity if it is implemented in the interest of the people and insulated from political interference.
He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other stakeholders to carry Nigerians along in ongoing discussions on state policing, noting that public confidence would be crucial to the success of the initiative.
“We are appealing to Mr President to carry people along, especially on the issue of state police. It can work if we want it to work. It is not people from Ghana, South Africa or America that will come and supervise state police for us. It is Nigerians that will make it work,” he said.
Akanbi acknowledged concerns in some quarters that governors could deploy state police for political purposes but insisted that responsible leadership and accountability would prevent such abuses.
“People are sceptical that state governments will use state police in their own interest. Governors should not turn it into an apparatus for them to misbehave while in office. If you have a governor who has the fear of God, there will be no need to use state police against the wishes of the people,” he said.
The veteran journalist expressed concern over the nation’s security situation and urged governments at all levels and security agencies to reassess existing strategies to curb insecurity.
According to him, political actors appear increasingly preoccupied with electoral contests while critical issues affecting citizens receive less attention.
“The election is fast approaching, and people have started campaigning. They are engrossed with who will take what in government rather than talking about the issue of insecurity. We are appealing to leaders to have a rethink and go back to the drawing board,” he said.
Akanbi also described his re-election as a vote of confidence in the leadership of the association and pledged to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, unity and professionalism.
He commended the electoral committee for conducting what he described as a transparent and credible election, saying the process demonstrated that democracy could work when stakeholders are committed to fairness.
“I’m so happy about it, particularly with the way the electoral committee conducted the election. It shows that we still have great faith in this country that democracy can work. Journalists in Kwara State have proved that, and I want politicians to take a cue from what was displayed today,” he said.
The newly elected chairman assured members that the association would continue to lead by example and justify the confidence reposed in it, while also encouraging journalists across the country to remain committed to their role in promoting accountability, good governance and national development.
The new NALVEJ executives, led by Alhaji Mohammed Tunde Akanbi, were inaugurated at a colourful ceremony put together by the association’s Electoral Committee, chaired by Alhaji Yinusa Giwa, ably supported by Hajia Balikis Oladimeji (secretary) and Rev. Felix Ajide (member).
A retired staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Barrister Jacob Ayanda, administered the oath of office to the new executives of the association of senior and retired journalists.
Other members of the executive are Comrade Olu Ajayi (vice chairman), Christy Doyin (secretary), Rev. Felix Ajide (assistant secretary), Alhaji Sule Sabi (treasurer), Alhaja Jumoke Adeyemi (financial secretary), Mr Gbenga Olarinoye (welfare officer) and Alhaji Abdullahi Olesin (publicity secretary).
Speaking at the ceremony, the state commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, hailed NALVEJ members for their support for the state government.
Represented by the director of information, Mr Ademola Olarewaju, the commissioner assured journalists of the continued support of the state government.
Earlier, the newly elected chairman of NALVEJ, Alhaji Mohammed Tunde Akanbi, had told the gathering of how the association has ensured the wellbeing of its members by enrolling them in the state health insurance scheme, apart from holding regular health talks.
On his new mandate, Akanbi pledged to be accountable and ensure transparency in running the affairs of the league.
He thanked the state government for ensuring regular and prompt payment of salaries of journalists in its employment and the recently peculiar allowance approved for the journalists in the state media establishments.
