The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is raising alarms over Nigeria's spiraling insecurity, but is it genuine concern or merely a political maneuver? In a dramatic statement, the ruling party has rallied behind the idea of state police, insisting that lawmakers must put national security above all else, including their petty political squabbles.

Mr. Steve Otaloro, the APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, didn't hold back in urging the National Assembly to act swiftly on the state police bill. His statement, provocatively titled ‘APC Ondo to NASS: Rise above politics and pass the state police bill,’ paints a picture of a nation on the brink, grappling with violence and chaos.

The party labeled the nation’s current security situation as “perilous,” citing alarming increases in rural banditry, herdsmen violence, kidnappings, and the infiltration of extremists. But is this just a convenient excuse to push a political agenda? The APC seems to think so, as they urge the government to take immediate action to shield communities from escalating threats.

In a bid to garner sympathy, the APC praised the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its “intensified efforts” against these security threats. Sure, they acknowledged the deployment of security personnel and new hardware, but isn’t this the bare minimum expected from a government? The statement claims these efforts have brought “notable progress,” which seems like a stretch given the persistent violence across the country.

Despite their praises, the APC recognizes the limitations of the Nigeria Police Force. They admit that without a state-level policing system, communities will continue to suffer. This is a blatant acknowledgment that the current federal structure is failing to protect citizens, which raises questions about the party's effectiveness in addressing these issues in the past.

The APC didn't miss the chance to honor the late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, as a visionary for advocating decentralized policing. They claim he was ahead of his time in recognizing the threats of banditry and terrorism, but isn’t it ironic that this only became a pressing issue after the violence escalated?

Furthermore, while Akeredolu faced significant pushback from the Federal Government over the establishment of the Amotekun Corps, his legacy is being used as a political tool by the APC. They credit him for creating a model of community policing, but one has to wonder: why did it take so long for the party to embrace this approach?

Current Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is also lauded for his contributions to Amotekun, but how much of this is genuine gratitude versus opportunistic praise? His enhancements to the corps, including better training and equipment, seem like basic expectations rather than groundbreaking achievements.

The Ondo APC's call to action is cloaked in urgency as they implore lawmakers to pass the state police bill without delay. They insist that this is a time for unity, urging the National Assembly to set aside “political differences and ethnic jingoism.” But is this really about national safety, or is it a desperate attempt to shift focus from the party’s failures?

As the National Assembly debates this pivotal constitutional amendment, the APC’s rhetoric reflects a growing realization that a decentralized approach to policing may be the only way forward. However, one must question whether this newfound advocacy is sincere or simply a tactical play in the political game.