The former United Nations Special Rapporteur, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, says she supports President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of state police due to security challenges bedeviling the country.

Ezeilo, who is also a Nigerian professor of public law and Senior Advocate, gave her support in a statement on Thursday in Enugu.

According to her, I have been advocating for community policing since 2012 when I submitted a memorandum to the Police Service Commission.

“I support President Tinubu’s endorsement of the State Police, given Nigeria’s current security challenges and the substantial security budgets allocated by state governors.

“This often includes an unconstitutional, opaque, and unappropriated security votes that contribute to corruption—the time has come for state police.

“Policing is local. While there are concerns about potential abuse, these can be addressed through proper legislation and by closing possible loopholes that could be misused,” she said.

According to her, the procedures include ensuring the independence of the police and establishing proper tenure for police chiefs by law.

“Any governor who misuses this power will face strict accountability and prosecution.

“I am also willing to offer my legal services free of charge to help develop a model that interested states can adopt,” Ezeilo added.