Sharia Council Warns Against Rushed State Police Amendment

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) issued a statement on Sunday, signed by Secretary General Nafiu Baba Ahmad, warning against a rushed constitutional amendment aimed at creating state police. The Council called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to engage in wider consultations before finalizing any reforms.

It acknowledged Nigeria's severe security crisis, which has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. The SCSN argued that the failures of the current security architecture are due to inadequate funding, corruption, insufficient personnel, and ineffective coordination among security agencies, rather than the absence of state police.

The Council expressed disappointment with the National Assembly's proceedings, noting a lack of openness and inclusiveness in the amendment process. It cautioned against potential misuse of state police for political intimidation and emphasized the need for constitutional safeguards to ensure equal protection for all citizens.