After an extensive deliberations characterized by arguments upon arguments, the National Conference Committee on Devolution of Power on Monday, shot down the inclusion of establishment of State Police in its recommendations.
While delegates from the south were favourably disposed to it, those from the north were apprehensive that politicians would subject it to abuse. It thus died on the floor.
When the issue of State Police came up for debate, the same fervour witnessed in the previous debate surfaced as delegates tackled each other.
Udombana told the Committee that if the issue of devolution of power must be a reality, then there was no replacement to State Police, adding that the issue of abuse would be taken care of by laws.
Dalhatu was emphatic that Nigeria is not yet ready for State Police as the level of abuse by politicians would be too high, adding, “I don’t think we are yet ready in this country for State Police.”
Adebanjo and Tony Adefuye were of the view that with the establishment of State Police, most of the crisis that have rocked the country would always be chased away at the roots.
According to Adebanjo, the issue of Nigerian factor should not be brought into every discussion because, “if we have all agreed on going federal, why should we disagree on issues associated with federalism. We should not concentrate police power at the federal level only, it is un-federalism.”
It was his view that the issue of Boko Haram would have been dealt with at the roots if Nigeria operated a state police system like other countries of the world and pleaded that in the interest of Nigeria, the constitution and federalism, State Police should be placed on the Concurrent List.
Akintola informed the Committee that the issue of State Police should not be compelling on individual states; and that any state that desires it should be allowed to adopt it because the Conference cannot be talking about devolution of power while it throws away the ingredients that support devolution of power.
Magaji Dambatta in his contribution said introduction of State Police would amount to legalizing intimidation of political opponents by sitting governors; adding that “our environment is not yet ripe enough for State Police.”
After another contribution by a retired police officer, Farouk Usman, the matter was put to vote and with a majority voice, it was retained in the Exclusive List.
However, a few items were moved from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List on Monday. They included public holidays; railways, and essential commodities while a new item, Information and Communication Technology, introduced by Udombana, was added to the Exclusive List.
