President Muhammadu Buhari has once again distanced himself from those calling for the establishment of state police.
The President who described state Police as a good initiative, however, said he does not want to be a part of it because, in the long run, it could be problematic as most states are unable to pay their workers.
President Buhari made the disclosure on Monday in an interview with Arise Television.
He said, “It may be more efficient, which was why I congratulated the governor of Lagos State (Akinwunmi Ambode) when he started the Lagos State Neighbourhood Corps. It’s a good initiative.”
He continued, “Lagos State is richer than the Federal Government. How many states are there that can pay salaries and you now ask them to go and form state Police?
“And, do you know what can happen if you can’t feed the Police? Do you just give him uniform and a gun but can’t pay him salaries for six months?
“It’s going to be a problem and I don’t want to be a part of it.”
President Buhari also has expressed frustrations with the Police, stating that soldiers would not be seen on the streets and major roads if they were up to scratch in their duties.
He said, “I have a problem with the Police and I told them that, from my training and experience, the Police are supposed to be in the front line.
“Now, Nigerians are seeing soldiers on the streets. This is not good for the Police and I told them this some months ago.”