Sulaiman Warns of Political Abuse in State Police Control

On Sunday in Abuja, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), raised alarms regarding the potential misuse of state police by governors if adequate safeguards are not implemented. He supported the establishment of state police as a response to Nigeria's insecurity but cautioned that granting governors direct control could lead to political abuse.

Sulaiman referenced the alleged failure of some governors to adhere to the Supreme Court's ruling on local government financial autonomy, questioning their maturity and political culture. He stated, “If they could violate a pronouncement, or ruling of the Supreme Court, maybe the only person they cannot violate His directive is God.” Sulaiman also criticized the conduct of state governments during local government elections, alleging that opposition parties are often denied fair campaigning opportunities, questioning whether such governors should be entrusted with police control.