Ajadi Calls For Constitutional Reform To Let Governors Control Security Operations

Ajadi Calls for Constitutional Reform to Let Governors Control Security Operations Businessman and political figure Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has called for sweeping constitutional reforms that would grant state governors direct control over military and security operations within their states, arguing that decentralizing security powers is essential to addressing Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Ajadi made the call while reacting to the country’s security challenges, insisting that the current structure where security agencies are centrally controlled by the Federal Government—has limited the ability of states to respond quickly and effectively to threats. He said the National Assembly and the President should urgently amend the Constitution to empower governors with authority over the army and other security agencies operating within their jurisdictions, especially in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. According to him, Nigeria’s federal security arrangement has become ineffective in dealing with the scale of insecurity facing different regions of the country. He argued that allowing state-level control would improve response time, accountability, and intelligence gathering. Ajadi also made a strong political statement about leadership accountability, insisting that any president who cannot guarantee the safety of citizens should not remain in office. He stressed that the protection of lives and property must remain the most fundamental responsibility of government. His remarks add to the ongoing national debate over state policing and restructuring, with several political leaders, governors, and civil society groups repeatedly calling for a review of Nigeria’s centralized policing and security system. Nigeria currently operates a centralized security structure where the Nigeria Police Force, the military, and other paramilitary agencies are controlled by the Federal Government. State governors act as “chief security officers” in name, but do not have direct operational control over security agencies in their states. Over the years, rising cases of banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping have intensified calls for decentralization, with proposals for state police and regional security frameworks gaining traction among policymakers and stakeholders. Supporters of reform argue that local control would improve intelligence-driven policing and faster response to security incidents. Critics, however, warn that giving governors control over armed forces could lead to abuse of power, politicization of security, and uneven enforcement across states. Ajadi’s comments reflect a broader national conversation about constitutional restructuring ahead of future political cycles. While the Federal Government has occasionally supported reforms to strengthen local policing, full control of the military by state governors remains a highly controversial proposal. Security experts say any reform would require careful safeguards to prevent fragmentation of command structures and ensure coordination between federal and state security agencies.

• Ajadi called for constitutional reform to give governors control over security operations.
• He said governors should have authority over military and security agencies in their states.
• He blamed centralized security control for Nigeria’s inability to curb insecurity effectively.
• He argued that any president unable to secure citizens is not fit for office.
• The proposal adds to ongoing debates on state policing and constitutional restructuring.