Former Ijaw youth leader, Eradiri, speaks on how the governor can make the state’s police force a success

Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Mr Udengs Eradiri, has expressed views on how state governors can ensure that state policies when implemented will be successful.

He noted that the National Assembly’s move to advance the creation of a state police force, was long overdue but necessary.

Among other things, he said, “For state policing to be successful, governors must act responsibly. They must also commit to improving the economy and infrastructure as both are closely linked to security”.

Eradiri said the issue of the state police must no longer be politicized, considering that increasing security challenges and the entry of foreign elements into society have made the formation of a state police a necessity.

According to him, a well-funded state police structure would help curb insecurity and strengthen local security architecture across the country.

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However, he stressed the need for a clear operational framework that would make the police institution independent of political influence.

“The state police structure must be well organized. The police structure must be different from the political structure so that politicians do not exploit it for their personal interests,” he said.

Eradiri, former Commissioner for Youth and Environment in Bayelsa State, also advocated adequate funding, modern equipment, regular training and adequate manpower to ensure the effectiveness of the state police force.

He expressed concern over the security challenges impacting schools and other public institutions, and emphasized that disciplined and responsible leadership at the state level will be critical to the success of this initiative.

He urged governors to take advantage of the proposed devolution of police powers by investing in technology, manpower and other resources needed to improve security.

The former IYC leader further emphasized that governors must show responsibility not only in security matters but also in the areas of economic development and infrastructure, stressing that these three sectors are interconnected.