Why governors can’t abuse state police – Itse Sagay
Former PACAC Chairman Discusses State Police Creation
Former Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN, addressed concerns regarding the potential abuse of state police by governors during an interview on Arise News on Friday.
Sagay emphasized that any governor who attempts to misuse the power of a state police force would encounter significant opposition from civil society organizations and the public. He noted that the strength of Nigerian civil society could serve as a check against such abuses.
“President Bola Tinubu has urged the Senate to initiate constitutional amendments to create a state police system, which he believes will strengthen the fight against insecurity,” Sagay said. He reiterated that while state police should be under the overall control of state governors, as they serve as the chief security officers for their jurisdictions, robust oversight mechanisms are essential.
“I am not overly concerned about potential abuses,” he stated. “While I recognize that some misuse is likely, there are mechanisms in place to expose those actions. Abuses can lead to public outcry and legal consequences for offenders.”
The discussion aligns with ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s security apparatus to better address rising crime and violence.
