Again, Buhari Rejects State Police

President Muhammadu Buhari has again rejected state police.

He believes most states cannot fund it.

He also fears it will be abused.

Many Nigerians, including governors, have called for state police as a viable way of overcoming the escalating insecurity across the country.

State police is also a core component of the power devolution demand by advocates of restructuring.

Some states have adopted regional security outfits, such as Amotekun and Ebube Agu.

But the Constitution does not allow the governors to arm them with sophisticated weapons.

Speaking during an interview on Channels on Tuesday night, President Buhari cited the strained relationship between governors and the local governments as a reason adopting state police is not a good idea for now.

He also expressed fears that should the system be adopted as the country is currently structured, governors were most likely to abuse the system.

Answering a question, the President said: “State police is not an option.

“Find out the relationship between local governments and the governors.

“Are the third tier of government getting what they are supposed to get constitutionally?

“Are they getting it?

“Let the people in local government tell you the truth, the fight between local governments and the governor.”

President Buhari had previously expressed his reservations about the idea.

In a May 2018 interview, he said: “I want the Nigerian Constitution to be consulted first and see what it says.

“If it says they should be allowed, then they should be allowed.

“But don’t forget, how many times did we have to release money to states in the name of bailouts to enable them pay salaries?

“How many states are able to pay their workers in time?

“And you add the police to them? People should look at this matter well.

“No, I am not convinced…Can the states be able to shoulder the burden of the police?

“You cannot just give someone guns and ammunition, train him and refuse to pay him; you know what will eventually happen.”