From:,Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Following the debates on the establishment of a State Police, the Chairman of a support group belonging to the All Progressive Congress (APC,) Prof. Eng Kailani Muhammad has said that it is detrimental to the freedom of Nigerians, saying that it will only give power to the wrong people.
The Chairman of the APC support group asserted this during a press conference with Journalists in Kaduna, saying that there is no need for a State Police when governors can provide the State with a Civilian Justice Task Force (CJTF.)
According to the Professor, the issue of a State Police is worrisome to discuss considering the level of corruption in the country which is perpetrated by most governors, adding that the State government does not have sufficient resources to maintain a State Police.
He noted that some governors are yet to adjust to the principles of democracy and do not understand the rules guarding it which is why some still make irrational decisions without thinking about the good of the State and Nation.
Engr. Kailani opined that to avail the Nigerian state governors, the powers to control an entire state Police under sole authority could be suicidal to Nigeria’s democracy, saying that some state governors still attempt to control and manipulate Police Commands in their states to coerce the electorates during elections to do their bidding.
He advised the federal government not to give in to demands for the establishment of a State Police as it would cause division and provide State authorities with the freedom to do more wrongs.
“I once more deem it fit to hold this Press Conference to bring to the fore certain developments, that if we the citizens do not draw the government’s attention to, or left unchecked, might hurt the polity.
“Firstly and most importantly, is the worrisome discussion on the issue of State Police that is making the rounds.
“The discussions cycling the Nigerian political space, about the formation of a State Police or not, do not merit the attention of the Nigerian State at this moment.
“The reasons are numerous and are indicative that the Nigerian State is not yet prepared for State Police.”
