In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily,
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State made
serious allegations against certain
former governors in the North-West region of Nigeria. He accused them of
compromising the security alliance among states in the region by engaging in questionable
activities with bandits and terrorists.
Governor Sani refrained from mentioning specific names but
emphasized that these governors had taken a misguided approach to managing the
internal affairs of their respective states, which ultimately led to the
current security challenges faced by the region. He recalled a time when the
Kaduna State Government and several other states within the North-West,
including Niger State, had collaborated to develop a comprehensive framework
aimed at combating insecurity.
Under this framework, a joint committee was established, and
funding was pooled together from participating states. Close coordination and
cooperation with security agencies such as the army, air force, and police were
vital components of this effort. However, Governor Sani lamented that the
alliance eventually broke down due to the actions of certain governors who
chose to engage directly with the bandits and terrorists. He expressed his
disappointment that instead of confronting these criminal elements, these
governors were wining and dining with them, offering compensation and engaging
in negotiations.
Governor Sani firmly believes that the creation of state
police is the most effective solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. He
argued that the limited powers governors currently possess over security
agencies hinder their ability to address the escalating security concerns
within their states. Expressing satisfaction, he noted that almost all state
governors now share the view that the establishment of state police is
imperative.
Governor Sani shared his personal involvement in championing
the cause for state police. As a former senator, he sponsored a bill in the
National Assembly that aimed to create state police. The bill garnered significant
support in the Senate and progressed to the conference committee stage during
the constitutional amendment process. Unfortunately, it was not successfully
passed into law at that time. Undeterred, Governor Sani expressed optimism that
the issue of state police would be revisited by the 10th Assembly. Even in his
current role as governor, he pledged his support to the Assembly in their
efforts to achieve this important reform.
Governor Sani concluded by emphasizing the significance of
state police and its potential impact on resolving Nigeria’s security crisis.
He believed that the creation of state police was essential, particularly
considering the limited influence governors wield over security agencies. He
expressed hope that the 10th Assembly would prioritize the issue and reiterated
his commitment to supporting their endeavors.
