Onjeh Calls on Tinubu to Prioritize Local Government and Judicial Autonomy Alongside State Police in Addressing Insecurity

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former senatorial candidate for Benue South, Daniel Onjeh, has called upon President Bola Tinubu to seriously consider granting autonomy to local governments and the judiciary.

In a statement released on Saturday, Onjeh expressed his support for the establishment of state police, citing its potential to address the prevailing insecurity in various parts of the country.

Highlighting the significance of local government autonomy, Onjeh argued that empowering local administrations would enable them to effectively address the specific security challenges within their jurisdictions. He emphasized the need for financial resources and legal frameworks to facilitate the establishment of robust local security agencies at the grassroots level, drawing parallels with the United States' decentralized policing model.

According to Onjeh, investing resources from local government autonomy into community projects would not only create employment opportunities for the youth but also mitigate the factors that make them vulnerable to criminal influences. He emphasized that such concerted efforts could significantly reduce nationwide insecurity.

Onjeh pointed out that the erosion of local government autonomy in Nigeria, largely stemming from a 2002 Supreme Court ruling, coincided with a surge in insecurity across the nation.

Furthermore, Onjeh stressed the importance of an impartial and efficient judiciary, free from political interference, in maintaining the rule of law and combating criminal activities. He advocated for judicial autonomy to ensure swift and fair dispensation of justice, fostering a sense of security and accountability among citizens.

Addressing concerns about potential abuse of state police powers by governors, Onjeh highlighted the role of empowered youth in supporting security forces to combat criminal elements.

While acknowledging the need to address underlying factors such as poverty and unemployment to tackle insecurity effectively, Onjeh urged the Federal Government to prioritize community empowerment programs, particularly in rural areas, to reduce vulnerabilities conducive to criminal activities.

Onjeh concluded by applauding the efforts of the 9th Senate in advancing the causes of local government autonomy, state police, and judicial independence, despite challenges from governors. He expressed optimism about the recent endorsement of state police creation by all governors, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to steer Nigeria in the right direction.