Former Anambra State Attorney-General, Nnoruka Udechukwu, SAN, has cautioned against granting governors exclusive control over police forces in Nigeria, warning that such a move could facilitate abuse of power and undermine democracy.

Speaking on Arise TV Morning Show, he highlighted former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike as an example of how politically controlled police can be used to suppress opposition.

According to Udechukwu, the historical control of police by states during the First Republic facilitated the outbreak of the civil war, as state governments had both the courage and force to confront the federal government. “Even if we agree to a decentralized police force, the same problems, abuse of power and misuse of the police will persist,” he said.

He explained that while there is nothing inherently wrong with the current system whereby a state commissioner of police takes directives from the governor problems arise when these powers are overreaching. Governors could use state police to suppress political opponents, undermining fair competition during elections and campaigns.

Udechukwu noted that the ongoing debate over state police stems from the inordinate urge of politicians to exercise absolute power. “Absolute power always corrupts absolutely. If you give governors exclusive control over state police, heaven forgive us, they will use it to suppress opposition and manipulate outcomes,” he said.

The SAN emphasized that any reform toward state police must include robust checks and balances. He proposed a centralized command structure, backed by the federal government, to standardize operations, while allowing the envisaged state police to operate under regulated supervision. “The bill currently before the National Assembly makes sufficient provision to prevent governors from using the police for personal or political purposes,” he added.

Udechukwu also dismissed the idea of regional elected police or fully autonomous state forces. “Do not leave the fate of Nigerians in the hands of elected officials. The same politicians who manipulate elections will control these forces if given full autonomy,” he said.

Reflecting on his own tenure as Anambra State Attorney-General, Udechukwu cited his experience under a law-abiding governor as proof that effective oversight is possible but only when the Attorney-General is independent and not beholden to political interests. “I was made Attorney-General against my will and never lobbied for the position. I could overrule the governor many times, and I was never sacked,” he recalled.

He concluded that while the idea of state police could improve security, its success depends on centralized oversight, regulatory frameworks, and limiting governors’ exclusive control, warning that unchecked decentralization could replicate past abuses and threaten democracy in Nigeria.

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