State Police Could Become Tools of Oppression – Shehu Sani
A former lawmaker and social critic, Senator Shehu Sani, has voiced skepticism about the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, calling it a mirage and warning of potential anarchy.
Sani, known for his outspoken views, shared his concerns on social media, suggesting that state police could become tools of oppression in the hands of state governors. He expressed fears that rather than enhancing security, state police could be misused to target political opponents, intimidate non-indigenous residents, manipulate elections, and undermine the authority of the federal police.
The call for state police gained traction after a recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and state governors, where the rising cost of living, economic challenges, and security threats were discussed. The federal government has hinted at the possibility of embracing state police as a way to address these issues.
Sani’s comments reflect broader concerns about the potential misuse of state police powers. He warned that state police forces could be stacked with loyalists of the ruling party in each state, raising questions about their impartiality and professionalism.
The proposal for state police has sparked a heated debate, with proponents arguing that it could lead to more effective law enforcement at the local level, where communities have unique security challenges. However, opponents, like Sani, fear that state police could be more susceptible to political interference and abuse of power.
Critics of the state police proposal argue that it could lead to a duplication of efforts and resources, as well as confusion over jurisdiction and authority between federal and state law enforcement agencies. They also point out the potential for conflicts of interest between the federal government and state authorities.
Despite these concerns, supporters of state police argue that it could lead to more responsive and accountable policing, tailored to the specific needs of each state. They believe that by decentralizing law enforcement, states can better address local security challenges and improve overall public safety.
As the debate over state police continues, it remains to be seen whether the federal government will move forward with the proposal and how it will address the concerns raised by critics like Senator Shehu Sani.
Vanguard News
