Tensions flared on Thursday at the National Assembly Complex as federal lawmakers clashed during the 2025 budget defence session by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
The heated confrontation not only disrupted proceedings but also spotlighted larger issues of accountability, governance, and the economic ramifications of Nigeria’s policing strategy.
The session took an unexpected turn as Egbetokun began providing a breakdown of funds earmarked for the construction of five zonal police headquarters nationwide. Barely into his presentation, Mark Esset, a House of Representatives member from Akwa Ibom, interjected, questioning the absence of the details being presented in the documents shared with lawmakers.
Adding to the fray, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi of Ebonyi North Senatorial District voiced his frustration, insisting that lawmakers deserved access to the same information being presented by the police chief. “We are here to serve Nigerians, and Nigerians should see us as a very serious institution,” Nwebonyi stated, his voice echoing the broader frustrations of Nigerians weary of governance lapses.
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The altercation raises serious questions about transparency and the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight. At the core of the disagreement is the lack of clear, accessible documentation—a troubling sign in a country grappling with issues of accountability in governance. When lawmakers themselves are denied critical information, it begs the question: how can they effectively represent the interests of their constituents?
Beyond the immediate drama, the disruptions underscore a deeper systemic problem. Nigeria’s police force, long plagued by funding shortfalls and structural inefficiencies, is central to the nation’s internal security. Poor coordination and accountability in budget discussions could have dire consequences for public safety, economic stability, and citizen trust in government institutions.
Egbetokun’s plea for adequate funding and the elimination of the envelope budgetary system highlights the persistent challenges faced by the police force. Insufficient funding not only undermines the capacity of law enforcement but also exacerbates insecurity—a major deterrent to foreign investment and economic growth.
The IGP’s announcement that President Bola Tinubu has raised the annual recruitment quota from 10,000 to 30,000 officers is a welcome development. However, without proper funding, training, and infrastructure, this increase risks becoming a case of quantity over quality. An under-equipped police force not only struggles to maintain law and order but also fuels public dissatisfaction, further eroding the fabric of communal trust and economic productivity.
For Nigerians, the stakes are high. A well-funded, efficient police force is not just a matter of national security—it is a cornerstone of economic stability, social cohesion, and the fight against corruption.
As Egbetokun resumed his presentation, he reiterated the police force’s dire need for adequate funding and structural reform. His remarks serve as a reminder of the urgent need for collaboration between the legislature and the executive to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
The incident at the National Assembly may have been a moment of parliamentary drama, but it reflects broader tensions in Nigeria’s governance. In an era of increasing insecurity and economic uncertainty, the country cannot afford lapses in oversight or accountability. For the sake of the nation’s future, lawmakers and leaders must rise above personal differences and prioritize the collective good.
