News
North-Central APC Forum Rejects State Police
The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has urged President Bola Tinubu and members of the National Assembly to reject calls for creation of state police in the country.
The Forum, comprising APC stakeholders in the North-Central region, made the plea in response to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang’s recent call for creation of state police.
Mutfwang had, while speaking at a special court session organized to mark the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year in Jos, declared that the time for state police has come.
The governor urged the President and members of the National Assembly to support the actualization of state police, saying it will help to address insecurity in Plateau and other parts of the country.
However, the North-Central APC Forum has opposed the governor’s position.
In a statement released in Abuja on Friday by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, a member of the APC campaign council in the 2023 election, the North-Central APC Forum warned against the dangers of introducing state police in Nigeria.
The Forum warned that state police would become a tool for the oppression of minority groups and opposition elements.
“The North-Central APC Forum has noted with alarm calls for creation of state police in Nigeria. State police will only lead to anarchy and increased impunity across the country and as a result, these calls should be rejected by all right thinking Nigerians.
“State police will only exist to serve the interests of those in power, further subjugating minority groups who are already being oppressed in various states across the country.
“As we speak, most of the governors are using machineries and instruments of the state to intimidate, oppress and harass minority groups and the opposition in their states – we are afraid of how far they will go when they now have a full fledged police force at their beck and call.
“State police will give them the license to do and undo.
“Even now the governors are able to use the present federal police against those they perceive to be their political opponents.
“The police are used to destroy the businesses and properties of those in the opposition and even other law abiding citizens who are not in the camp of the governors. This is happening even as the governors continue to complain that they are not in charge of the security apparatus in their states.
“If they can use the federal police, over which they don’t have direct control, to deal with the opposition, what they are doing now will be child’s play compared to what they will do when they have their own police force – in the form of state police.
“We know for a fact that state police will become nothing more than a ready and willing tool for the oppression of minority groups and opposition elements across the country.
“State police will derail the democratic system as it will be used to suppress dissent and turn those in positions of authority, especially the governors, into dictators.
“We dare say that, with state police, anybody who is seen as an opponent of the government would be hounded and thrown into jail, or worse still, end up losing their lives. Opposition will be criminalized,” parts of the statement said.
The APC Forum further argued that creation of state police will be counter productive, particularly in secular societies like Plateau State and the other North-Central states.
The Forum warned that the next step after state police will be ‘state religion’. According to the group, governors will use state police to criminalize the activities of other religious groups.
The statement added, “We don’t want state police in the North-Central, which is a secular region where you also have minority groups and people who practice different religions.
“We oppose state police because we have observed that some of our governors in the North-Central don’t want to accommodate minorities, including the religious practices of minority communities.
“If you are to arm these governors with state police, they will criminalize the traditional practices and religions of minority groups.”
The North-Central APC Forum further asserted that state police is a “dangerous proposal” due to the attitude of some governors who place religious doctrines above Nigeria’s constitution
The statement added, “One of the biggest problems in Nigeria at the moment is that most of the governors are practicing religion more than governance. They believe in religious doctrines more than the constitution of Nigeria.
“In various parts of the country, we have observed instances where governors try to impose their own religious practices on adherents of other religions. Now, if you give them state police, armed with AK-47, what do you think will be the fate of anybody who does not agree with them?
“These are the reasons why we – the North-Central APC Forum – are urging President Bola Tinubu and members of the National Assembly – especially those senators and members of the House of Representatives that are very articulate and have the interest of the country at heart – to reject calls for state police.
“It will be counter productive. State police is an evil wind that will not blow anyone any good.B“We also also urge civil society organizations and all Nigerians to reject this proposal.”
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.
She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.
The command said it “strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”
It added, “Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.”
The command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.
The CP has also ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation; the police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The command said while it welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.
It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
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