Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has alleged that some former North West governors of undermined the security alliance between states in the region by ‘wining and dining’ with terrorists and bandits.
Governor Sani, without naming names, asserted that some governors have taken a “extremely wrong” approach to managing the internal affairs of their states, which has led to the current security problems.
The governor, in an interview with Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, on Tuesday, recalled the time when the “Kaduna State Government and some states within the Northwestern part of the country — and even Niger State, which shares a border with us — collaborated on a plan to address the issue of insecurity.
“We had a joint committee, shared funding, and worked closely with all security agencies, including the army, air force, and police.
“Unfortunately, however, the alliance fell apart when some state governors began dining with bandits and terrorists, compensating them, and engaging in negotiations with them,” he continued.
The governor also stated that the establishment of a state police force is the sole solution to Nigeria’s security problems, adding that it is essential given the limited authority governors have over security agencies.
He expressed his satisfaction that virtually all state governors now recognize the need for state police.
He continued, “Remember that I was the senator who sponsored the establishment of state police in the National Assembly.
“We elevated the bill to the level of conference committee as we worked to amend the constitution. “Of course, the Senate agreed with and supported my bill to establish a state police force, but we had a conference committee with the House of Representatives.” Unfortunately, we lost at that point, but I believe we cannot resolve or solve the issue of insecurity without the establishment of state police.
“When you consider the security arrangements in Nigeria, state governors have limited authority over the affairs of security agencies in our country.
“As senators, we’ve done a lot to support all the relevant government security agencies, but we haven’t accomplished much because state governors have limited authority.
“This is why we believe it is necessary to establish a state police force, and I am pleased that prior to the election, virtually all state governors in Nigeria came together and agreed that the way forward is the establishment of a state police force.”
Uba Sani likewise hoped that the tenth Assembly would revisit the issue, adding that he would support the Assembly to that end in his capacity as governor.
“I am confident that the 10th Assembly will bring the issue of state police back up for discussion, as it is an important topic.
“This is why, in my inaugural address, I made it clear that, even as governor, I will continue to support the 10th National Assembly to ensure that the fight for the creation of state police continues,” he said.