NILDS: Govs May Use State Police Against Opponents
Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has warned that state police could be turned into a political weapon
In an interview with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, the Director-General Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman expressed apprehensions regarding the potential misuse of state police by governors. Speaking on the proposed reform of Nigeria’s policing system, Sulaiman emphasized the need for stringent safeguards to prevent political manipulation of the newly established state police force.
He highlighted concerns about the conduct of some governors, suggesting they might lack the maturity and political acumen required to responsibly wield the powers associated with controlling state police. Sulaiman’s worries were further fueled by the alleged disregard of the Supreme Court judgment regarding local government financial autonomy by certain governors.
He questioned the readiness and psychological preparedness of governors to handle the immense responsibility that comes with direct control over state police. Sulaiman cautioned that governors who flouted judicial decisions could exploit the authority granted to them over state police, potentially leading to political abuse. He underscored the need for robust oversight mechanisms to ensure that governors do not abuse their newfound powers, especially considering the history of some state governments suppressing opposition parties during local government elections.
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