Nigeria not matured enough for state police – Zulum

By our reporter/ Bornu state governor, Babagana Zulum says he is not in support of state police.

There have been calls for the creation of state police in some parts of the country to tackle the security challenges in Nigeria, and in
July, a bill seeking to establish state police passed second reading at the house of representatives.

However, Zulum while opposing the move, said decentralising the police force will worsen the security challenges in the country.

He made his position public at a lecture at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau state, titled ‘Ungoverned Space and Insecurity in the Sahelian Region: Implications for Nigeria Domestic Peace and Security’.

According to him, the country is “not matured enough” for state police as
it could be used by some governors to harass and intimidate people of other tribes.

“Honestly speaking, I, Babagana Zulum, will not support it, not because I don’t like it, but because of the implications,” he said.

“Nigeria is not mature for state police. Some state governors can use it to wipe away other tribes apart from their tribes.

“So, we have to be very careful. If half of the power given to the Nigeria army, police and others are given to state police, Nigeria will be in problem.”

Zulum also alleged that recruitment into the Nigeria’s security agencies has become politicised as those recruited are not really committed to their job as they are only there to get a means of livelihood.

“The major problem is the recruitment process. Those being recruited into the Nigerian army, police and other security agencies are job seekers. Many of them are there because they don’t have a job,” Zulum said.

“Those enlisted 20 years ago are performing well, but these people are looking for employment only. So, there’s no commitment and dedication.

“These days, governors, ministers and other top government functionaries have slots. Nobody is to interview them whether they are qualified or not. Admission into Nigerian Army, police and others are now politicized.

“Unless we get it right, nothing will happen in this country. If we want to make progress, we must ensure that we pick the best. If not, we shall continue to recruit the dull ones. We must engage those that can deliver because we have a lot of competent Nigerians.”