Security Support Not an Invasion, Ikpea Says, Backs Electoral Reforms and State Police

Senator Ikpea Media Team

Senator Joseph Ikpea of Edo Central Senatorial District has affirmed the National Assembly’s stance on recent electoral reforms, advocated for the establishment of state police, and underscored the importance of constructive international partnerships in confronting Nigeria’s security challenges.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the lawmaker said the country’s complex security landscape demands a blend of internal restructuring and responsible global collaboration. He praised the Federal Government’s ongoing engagement with the United States, describing such cooperation as both strategic and necessary in an era marked by transnational threats. According to him, global realities show that no nation operates in isolation during periods of instability.

Drawing parallels with the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Ikpea argued that modern crises often require multilateral support frameworks. He maintained that seeking security assistance from international allies should not be misconstrued as a surrender of sovereignty but viewed instead as a pragmatic response to unconventional warfare and evolving threats.

The senator also cautioned against the mischaracterization of religious communities in the discourse on insecurity. He stressed that violent actors who cloak their actions in religious rhetoric do not represent the broader, peace-loving Muslim population in Nigeria, insisting that criminality must never be conflated with faith.

On the contentious amendments to the Electoral Act, Ikpea defended the National Assembly’s decision to retain electronic transmission of results while providing for manual backups. He noted that while digital processes significantly enhance transparency and public trust, no technological system is entirely immune to glitches or cyber vulnerabilities. A complementary manual safeguard, he said, ensures continuity, particularly in areas with limited connectivity, and protects the integrity of the process in the event of unforeseen disruptions. The approach, he added, reflects global best practices where redundancy is built into critical systems.

Turning to environmental concerns in Edo Central, the senator acknowledged longstanding erosion and ecological degradation affecting several communities. He disclosed that renewed engagement with relevant federal agencies is underway to secure more decisive interventions, assuring constituents that sustained legislative follow-through would translate into tangible outcomes.

With the political season drawing closer, Ikpea dismissed suggestions that campaign activities would impede legislative responsibilities. He emphasized that governance remains the priority and that the National Assembly retains the constitutional capacity to reconvene whenever urgent national issues arise.

Reiterating his backing for constitutional reforms, the lawmaker made a strong case for state police, arguing that decentralized security architecture would improve intelligence gathering, community-based policing, and rapid response capabilities. He maintained that empowering subnational authorities within a clearly defined legal framework would complement federal efforts and strengthen overall national security.

Concluding, Ikpea called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and united, noting that institutional reform and economic stabilization are gradual processes that require collective resolve, patience, and sustained commitment from both leaders and citizens alike.