Yalleman
By Bashir Bello, National Assembly Abuja
The passage of the bill seeking to establish state police in Nigeria by the House of Representatives has sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers, with some backing the move while others warn of potential abuse.
Speaking in separate interviews with newsmen in Abuja, Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman, and Hon. Bello Hassan Shinkafi of Shinkafi Federal Constituency, Zamfara State, declared support for the bill.
However, Hon. Auwalu Gwalabe, representing Katagum Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, totally kicked against the proposed legislation.
According to Gwalabe, lawmakers were not given adequate time to study the provisions of the bill. He warned that some state governors are likely to abuse the privilege by using state police to go after opposition members.
“Rushing this bill without deep scrutiny is dangerous for our democracy,” Gwalabe said.
“Who is going to pay them? Who will buy the weapons they are going to be using especially at a time when some state Governors still struggle to pay salaries” he argued.
On the other hand, Yalleman, who represents Mallam Madori/Kaugama Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, and Shinkafi argued that relevant sections of the Constitution would be amended to allow for effective implementation of state police.
They noted that the bill will also go to the State Assemblies for passage and ratification before further auctions.
They assured that community leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders would be carried along in the implementation process to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.
“This is about bringing security closer to the people. With proper safeguards, state police will complement federal efforts,” Yalleman stated.
The bill, which seeks to decentralize policing, has revived national debate on federalism, security, and political control.
