The North‑Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to reject proposals for state police in Nigeria. The call follows Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent suggestion that state police are needed to address the country’s insecurity. Governor Mutfwang made the statement during a special court session in Jos, urging the President and lawmakers to support the creation of state police.
In response, the North‑Central APC Forum expressed strong opposition, warning that state police could lead to anarchy and increased impunity. Forum Chairman Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga argued that state police would serve the interests of those in power and could subjugate minority groups. He cited the current use of federal police by governors to intimidate and oppress opponents as a concern, fearing that state police would give governors a license to act without restraint.
The Forum also contended that state police would be counterproductive in secular societies like Plateau State, where minority groups and different religions coexist. There are worries that governors might use state police to criminalize the activities of other religious groups, creating a slippery slope toward a “state religion.” The North‑Central APC Forum emphasized that some governors prioritize religious doctrines over the Nigerian constitution, which could lead to the suppression of minority rights.
Consequently, the group urged President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and civil society organizations to reject the state police proposal, describing it as a “dangerous” idea that could undermine the democratic system and criminalize opposition. The debate over state police highlights the complexities of addressing insecurity in Nigeria, where governance and religious considerations often intersect. As the country navigates these challenges, the North‑Central APC Forum’s stance reflects the need for careful consideration of the potential consequences of such a significant policy shift.
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