Constitutional lawyer Magaji Mato, SAN, says the creation of state police will not solve Nigeria’s security challenges, stating that the country’s bigger problem is a lack of political will.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Monday, Mato said Nigeria has the manpower and resources required to tackle terrorism and banditry without decentralising the police force.
“It is actually not about the state police. It is not the state policing that will bring about security.”
He said that the government has failed to demonstrate the political will required to confront insecurity, adding that many of the country’s security challenges are politically motivated.
Mato also warned that state police could be abused by governors and other political actors, citing concerns over political opponents being restricted from operating in some states.
He said Nigeria must prioritise national unity and place the interests of the country above political parties and personal interests.
“What we lack is the willpower and the ability to stand for the truth when it comes to the issue of the Nigerian state.”
Mato emphasized that leaders must take the Nigerian project seriously and defend national interests rather than prioritising their political parties or personal interests.
Ojo Triumph
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