Insecurity and True Federalism – By Elempe Dele

One thing you cannot deny the opposition and pessimists is their talent for lamentation without solutions. They wail loudly at every terrorist attack, yet the moment someone proposes concrete remedies, the response is mockery: _“Make him dey speak English for there…”_

Even a man whose mother was suspended for allegedly stealing from pupils in a Benin public school now leads the chorus of critics. Rather than retreat in shame, he has bought nomination forms for the next election. Did he ever publicly condemn his mother’s actions? Is it not the cumulative effect of such theft of public funds that has left us in this sorry state?

But I will not dwell on the moral failings of today’s critics. My purpose here is straightforward: to offer practical solutions. Distractions are counter-productive.

*The Link Between Insecurity and Our Defective Federalism*

Under the shadow of modern terrorism, the connection between Nigeria’s pervasive insecurity and our distorted federal structure is unmistakable. What we practice today is essentially a unitary system wearing the cosmetic agbada of federalism.

In genuine federalism, power must be devolved to states and LGAs instead of being hoarded in Abuja. The Federal Government should focus on core national responsibilities: foreign affairs, defence, currency, customs, macroeconomics, federal highways, and a federal police for cross-border and inter-state crimes.

States should manage regular policing, education, healthcare, agriculture, and state roads. LGAs should oversee community vigilantes, primary healthcare, markets, waste management, and rural roads.

This must extend to fiscal federalism. Currently Abuja takes 52% of revenue, states 26%, LGAs 20%. Yet states generate significant IGR while depending heavily on Abuja. True federalism demands a sharing formula that aligns with responsibiliMatters

Why This Matters for Security

With true federalism, states would not need Abuja’s permission to confront terrorists. Oyo, Zamfara, Kwara, Borno could deploy forces immediately.

Take the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo’s Oriire area. A well-equipped state police presence at Ahoro-Esiele could have responded within minutes. Abuja is over 300km away. Effective intervention at that distance is unrealistic.

After the civil war, many feared true federalism would fracture Nigeria. But nothing threatens the federation more than armed groups, largely from one region, terrorizing others.

*Three Key Advantages of State Police*

*1. Speed*: State police respond in minutes, not after bureaucratic signals travel to Abuja and back.

*2. Local Intelligence*: Officers familiar with forest paths, informants, and local dynamics are more effective. An officer posted from Zamfara to Oriire lacks critical context.

*3. Accountability*: Governors who receive massive security votes would face direct responsibility. The immediate past Edo governor reportedly collected ₦750 million monthly yet procured refurbished 1984 Toyota Siennas now largely dysfunctional. In Oyo, Governor Makinde is said to receive around ₦1 billion monthly. Under true federalism, such funds must translate into modern equipment: armed personnel, drones, communications, and functional vehicles for state police and vigilantes.

Abuja cannot police every village, farm, school, forest, street, and hamlet across 774 LGAs. Anyone who believes 400,000 federal police can achieve this needs rethinking. Security must come to the doorsteps of the people.

As I have said before: _“Let the man who lives by the riverside manage the water.”_ Citizens will more willingly join local security outfits serving their communities than be deployed to unfamiliar territories.

*Structure, Checks and Balances*

In true federalism, the State Commissioner of Police reports to the Governor, not solely to the IGP in Abuja. States recruit indigenes who know the terrain. With greater resource control and higher VAT share, states can fund competitive salaries and adequate manpower.

To address fears that rogue governors might misuse state police as personal militias, robust safeguards are essential: independent State Houses of Assembly, autonomous State Police Service Commissions, judicial oversight, and limited federal intervention where necessary.

Nigeria must decentralize security without further delay. Until we do, terrorists will keep their monopoly on violence while the rest of the country rings the “toll bells” of mourning, reacting helplessly to each new outrage.