The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has called for far-reaching constitutional and institutional reforms, insisting that the establishment of state police must be accompanied by comprehensive fiscal and judicial restructuring to achieve genuine federalism in Nigeria.
Soludo argued that while the growing national conversation around state policing is timely and necessary, it should not be treated as a standalone solution to the country’s deep-rooted governance and security challenges. According to him, meaningful decentralisation requires a holistic approach that empowers states not only to manage security but also to exercise greater control over their finances and judicial institutions.
The governor maintained that Nigeria’s current federal structure remains overly centralised, limiting the capacity of sub-national governments to respond effectively to local realities and developmental needs. He stressed that granting states greater fiscal autonomy and strengthening judicial independence are essential pillars of a truly functional federation.
He further noted that sustainable national development can only be achieved through a balanced system in which powers, responsibilities, and resources are more equitably shared among the federal, state, and local governments.
Soludo’s remarks come amid renewed nationwide debates over constitutional amendments and increasing calls for reforms aimed at addressing insecurity, improving governance, and redefining the country’s federal arrangement. He urged policymakers and stakeholders to pursue broad-based reforms capable of laying the foundation for a more efficient, accountable, and inclusive federation.
