Table of Contents
- Advocacy for State Police
- Opposition from Allies
- Security Outfits in Plateau
- Concerns About Recruitment
- Conclusion
Although Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang is a strong advocate for the establishment of a state police, one of his former supporters, Brig. Gen. John Sura (Rtd), has voiced his opposition to the idea.
In recent weeks, several prominent political figures in the state, including the lawmaker representing Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke Federal Constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, have expressed their disapproval of the concept of a state police, arguing that governors might misuse it to target their political adversaries.
During an interview with selected journalists in Jos on Saturday, Gen. Sura, who recently switched from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that he is firmly against the establishment of a state police in Plateau.
He pointed out that there are existing security organizations such as the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), established by the Nigerian Army, as well as the Federal Government-approved security outfit, Operation Rainbow, which is authorized to carry arms, in addition to the Nigeria Police Force. He believes these should be sufficient to ensure security in the state and effectively address issues of insecurity.
Sura argued that with these existing outfits, Plateau State has no need to pursue the creation of a state police, contending that the recruitment process would likely be misused and that the government could employ the operatives as instruments of intimidation against perceived adversaries.
“Most governors have various security outfits operating within their state administrations. Consider the South-East; they have the ECN. In the South-West, there is Amotekun.
“Plateau State has the one provided by the federal government, Operation Rainbow, which is equipped to a certain extent. Therefore, Plateau State has no justification for demanding a state police,” Sura remarked during the interview.
The retired Army general emphasized that if Operation Rainbow is properly equipped and managed, it can effectively fulfill the security functions expected of a state police.
He maintained that the insecurity and violence seen in Plateau extend beyond simply recruiting locals into a state police; they require a neutral approach to personnel recruitment, independent of the current governor.
Sura noted that there are various opinions for and against the establishment of a state police, but such an entity is unnecessary in Plateau due to the potential for abuse in the recruitment process.
However, he suggested that if the nation chooses to implement state police, the recruitment of personnel should not be handled by state governors, as they would likely select loyalists and party members to use against their opponents in elections.
He also highlighted that the contentious nature of politics in the state indicates that if state police were established, the personnel would likely be deployed to target those opposing the government and intimidate them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main arguments against the establishment of a state police?
Critics argue that a state police could be misused by governors to intimidate political opponents and that existing security outfits, such as Operation Rainbow and the Nigeria Police Force, are sufficient to maintain security.
What existing security outfits are available in Plateau State?
Plateau State has several security outfits, including the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) and Operation Rainbow, which are equipped and authorized to maintain peace and security in the region.
Why is recruitment a concern for a potential state police?
Recruitment is a concern because it could lead to the selection of individuals based on loyalty to the governor rather than merit, potentially resulting in the use of state police for political purposes instead of public safety.
