Despite ongoing calls by Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for the establishment of state police, has opposed the proposal by Yusuf Gagdi, the lawmaker representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
During a visit to some attacked and displaced communities in Kanam on Sunday, Yusuf reiterated his opposition to the creation of state police in Nigeria. He expressed concerns that such forces could be exploited against perceived political opponents, aligning with his long-standing stance against the calls made by Mutfwang and other governors.
While acknowledging the persistent threat posed by armed bandits, militias, and violence in the state, Yusuf maintained that he does not support the creation of an additional security force as a solution to the crisis.
Gagdi, who has been in the House for over 10 years, said despite the increased presence of bandits in Garga, Kukawa, Kyaram, Gyambau, Dungur and Shuwaka communities of the Kanam council which is directly under his purview, the creation of state police is not the solution.
The lawmaker, however, advocated for more and better funding of conventional security agencies in the state, emphasizing that state police would not resolve Plateau’s recurring security challenges.
“My position, even on the House floor, is that governors will misuse state police, particularly against political opponents, not to maintain peace and order,” Gagdi said while addressing journalists during the visit.
“I say this without fear of contradiction or political misrepresentation. Nigeria is not ripe for proliferation of security agencies. Rather, I support strengthening existing security agencies. Fund the police, military, Department of State Services and others adequately, and ensure accountability,” Gagdi stressed.
He argued that governors would likely misuse state police, employing them against perceived political enemies rather than for genuine security and peace, while maintaining his long-held stance against replicating or multiplying security agencies under the guise of empowering some individuals with state police authority.
The Rep also urged the Federal Government and security agencies to conduct intense operations in the forests along the Plateau, Taraba and Bauchi borders to flush out criminals.
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