President Buhari Rejects State Police, Gives Reasons

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed the clamour for state police will not solve the security challenges facing the country.

Naija News reports that there have been calls from Southern Governors, groups and some notable Nigerians for the creation of state police in order to address the insecurity in the land.

However, in an interview with Channels Television, Buhari said that state police was not a good option for curbing the unrest in the nation.

The Nigerian leader claimed that the creation of state police would lead to other issues in the country, adding that state governors will abuse their powers and use the police to harass their opponents.

He said, “State police is not an option.

“Find out the relationship between local government and the governors. Are the third tier of government getting what they are supposed to get constitutionally?

“Are they getting it? Let the people in local government tell you the truth, the fight between local governments and the governor.”

Speaking further, Buhari acknowledged the huge role traditional rulers play in bringing peace to communities, adding that more dialogue should be carried out in resolving clashes across the country.

He added: “The role of traditional rulers must not be undermined because in their areas they know who is who, even by families, not to even talk of individuals. So, we have to revert to that system for us to have effective security in the localities.

“For example, there were two governors that came to see me about problems – Oyo State and one other state – because the herders were in their forests but the animals were going into the neighbouring farms and eating the crops. I said, as far as I know, the farmers and herders have been co-existing in Nigeria for generations.

“Let them go and ask the local leadership what has gone wrong, why the break in communication between the local leadership and the herders.”

Recall that the presidency has announced that two separate interviews with President Muhammadu Buhari will hit the airwaves on Wednesday and Thursday.

A statement made available to Naija News on Wednesday morning which was signed by the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, urged Nigerians to please watch.

According to the statement, one interview will hold by 7 pm on Wednesday 5th January while the second interview will hold on Thursday, 6th January by 8 pm.