The Publisher of Freedom Online, Gabriel Akinadewo, has called for sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture, including the establishment of state police, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akinadewo made the call while delivering his welcome address at the 7th Freedom Online Yearly Lecture, themed “2027 Elections: Economy, Security and Nigeria’s Future,” held on Thursday in Ikeja, Lagos.
In his remarks, the publisher lamented the disconnect between Nigeria’s electoral cycles and its development trajectory. “In Nigeria, we have a four-year cycle of elections, but unfortunately, there is no four-year cycle of development,” he said, adding, “We are yet to draw a line between governance and politics.”
He noted that Nigeria would mark 28 years of unbroken civilian rule by May 29, 2027, describing it as a milestone for the country. “It can be argued that politically, the country is forging ahead, but other sectors lag,” he said.
Akinadewo argued that Nigeria’s governing systems, many of which date back to the 1960s, were no longer fit for purpose.
Citing the country’s telecoms sector as an example of possible transformation, he said the number of telephone lines had grown from 18,724 at independence in 1960 to about 192 million active subscriptions today. “Obviously, the transformation of our technological system has reshaped the country,” he said, calling for similar reforms across the economy and security sectors.
On insecurity, Akinadewo criticised the practice of posting police officers to regions unfamiliar to them, saying it undermines effective policing.
“A police officer born in Zamfara State is posted to Nnewi as a DPO,” he said, while another “who grew up in Dadakot is mandated to ensure the security of Lagosians… even though he does not know the environment.”
He described this as part of the reason insecurity persists nationwide.
He therefore urged that “everything must be done to ensure that state police become a reality in 2027,” describing restructuring as central to the country’s development. He commended President Bola Tinubu for what he called efforts to change the narrative “legally and constitutionally.”
Akinadewo used part of his address to acknowledge dignitaries at the event, including the chairman, Rajulai Mohamed; special guest of honour, Senator Engineer Benkadame; and Fuke Edumadi, a former president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Commissioner in Washington State, among others.
He expressed confidence that the guest speaker and forum chairman would do justice to the lecture’s theme, and formally welcomed attendees to the event.
