…Says state executives remain ‘spectators’ in face of rising violence
By Yinka Giwa
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to grant state governors real authority to protect their citizens, warning that insecurity will persist as long as state executives lack the power to act. Obi, who has always endorsed state police, stressed the need for governors to be fully empowered within the existing framework.
His remarks followed Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal’s startling disclosure that he knows the locations of bandit leaders in his state but cannot move against them without federal clearance. Obi described the admission as a troubling sign of Nigeria’s over-centralised security architecture, which he argued leaves governors helpless and communities exposed.
“What kind of country are we running where a federating unit lacks the coordination and support of the centre in the most critical role of governance — the protection of life and property?” Obi queried. “When the Chief Security Officer of a state is reduced to a mere spectator, citizens are left at the mercy of criminals.”
The former Anambra governor pressed for urgent restructuring of Nigeria’s security system to allow decentralised decision-making. He said governors should have direct authority, resources, and command structures that enable them to act swiftly against threats in their territories.
“The Federal Government must, as a matter of urgency, give Governor Dauda and other governors across the federation all the support they need to safeguard the lives of Nigerians,” Obi said, warning that failure to act would further erode public confidence.
Reiterating his long-held view that security is the foundation of national progress, Obi concluded: “The safety and security of our citizens must become our highest priority. A new Nigeria is possible.”