Nigeria is not ripe for state police - Lagos ex-commissioner declares

macfranc007 February 19, 2018 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Nigerian newspapers 24/7 Tunde Ososanya

- Despite the call for state police from different quarters, a former Lagos state commissioner of police has faulted the idea

- The ex-commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, said Nigeria is not ripe for such yet

- He added that state police will signal the beginning of disintegration of the country

Lagos state former commissioner of police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, has faulted the call for state police, saying that Nigeria is not ripe for such yet, Punch reports.

NAIJ.com gathered that the ex-commissioner made the view in a statement made available to our correspondent on Sunday in Makurdi.

He said: “The establishment of state police at this time will signal the beginning of disintegration of the country.

“Apart from some states not being able to maintain police now, some power-drunk and ambitious governors may use the police against their perceived political opponents.”

According to him, state police might lead to job insecurity as some state governors would tamper with the institution.

He added: "A state commissioner of police who fails to dance to the tune of his governor may be sacked. There may be no job security, professionalism and security of tenure.

“Our politicians are not civilised enough and tolerant of opposing views and cannot preside over a competent and impartial police force.”

He said that Nigeria should wait until “we are civilised and united and appreciate justice and fairness".

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had previously reported that the federal government on Saturday, February 17, said it would seek the support of governors and the National Assembly on the issue of creating state police across the country.

Laolu Akande, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s media aide, stated that their support was vital to allow for constitutional amendments.

He said that the key aim of establishing state police was to tackle the country’s many security issues.

Akande added: “We have advocated for state police and it is gathering quite a bit of groundswell. As it gets widespread support, especially among the state governments and the National Assembly, we will be able to achieve the necessary constitutional amendments.

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