The Borno State government has firmly opposed the establishment of state police in Nigeria, standing out as the sole dissenter among the 36 states.
Nebeolisa Anako, Secretary of the National Economic Council, disclosed this in a text message to newsmen on Sunday.
Responding to inquiries, Anako stated, “Almost all, and mostly positive. Borno is the only state against.”
In 2021, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum had expressed his reservations about state police.
During a lecture at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau State, Zulum argued that decentralizing the police force could exacerbate Nigeria’s security challenges.
“Nigeria is not mature for state police. Some state governors can use it to wipe away other tribes apart from their tribes,” he said.
The push for state police has gained momentum as a proposed solution to Nigeria’s insecurity.
On February 15, President Bola Tinubu agreed to the establishment of state police after meeting with several governors.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced that there would be a series of meetings to fine-tune the details of implementing state police.
On February 20, a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow governors to appoint state commissioners of police passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 14 others, has sparked nationwide debate.
Among the notable opponents is Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who has voiced his objections to the proposal.
