Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has advocated the complete restructuring and proper funding of the Nigeria Police to strengthen its response capacity to security challenges.
The governor however dismissed calls for the establishment of state police, saying it was desirable but nor feasible.
Ahmed said in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Ilorin that the police needed to be transformed and provided with modern technology to perform more effectively.
He noted that the security situation in the country has made it imperative to completely re-structure the nation’s security network and to provide the various security organisations with adequate funds and equipment.
On the establishment of state police, the governor said it would create additional financial burden on the state governments.
“It is like opening a new line of expenditure in addition to the expenditure pressure already on the ground.”
According to him, people clamouring for state police are doing so out of fear because of the current security challenges in the country.
He noted that many people failed to take into account the current financial, political and social situations which could lead to the misuse of the state police.
“I am looking at it from the angle that presently the federal government has not been able to meet the financial needs of the police.
“If we should go ahead to establish state police we shall only be opening a new line of expenditure; and how do we finance that.
“I believe that the existing police should be supported to move to the next level by providing them with adequate tools to work with.”
(NAN)
Gov. Ahmed calls for restructuring of the Nigeria Police, dismisses call for state police
Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has advocated the complete restructuring and proper funding of the Nigeria Police to strengthen its response capacity to security challenges.
The governor however dismissed calls for the establishment of state police, saying it was desirable but nor feasible.
Ahmed said in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Ilorin that the police needed to be transformed and provided with modern technology to perform more effectively.
He noted that the security situation in the country has made it imperative to completely re-structure the nation’s security network and to provide the various security organisations with adequate funds and equipment.
On the establishment of state police, the governor said it would create additional financial burden on the state governments.
“It is like opening a new line of expenditure in addition to the expenditure pressure already on the ground.”
According to him, people clamouring for state police are doing so out of fear because of the current security challenges in the country.
He noted that many people failed to take into account the current financial, political and social situations which could lead to the misuse of the state police.
“I am looking at it from the angle that presently the federal government has not been able to meet the financial needs of the police.
“If we should go ahead to establish state police we shall only be opening a new line of expenditure; and how do we finance that.
“I believe that the existing police should be supported to move to the next level by providing them with adequate tools to work with.”
(NAN)