Cleric Warns Tinubu Against Establishing State Police

Sheikh Jingir, a prominent Islamic cleric based in Plateau State, has strongly condemned the federal government's plan to establish state police, warning that it could exacerbate insecurity and fuel political persecution. Speaking during a program, he urged the National Assembly to consider amending the constitution to address escalating insecurity across Nigeria.

However, he cautioned that decentralizing police power in politically sensitive states like Plateau could lead to abuse by politicians, potentially using state-controlled security outfits to intimidate and eliminate political opponents. Sheikh Jingir linked his long-standing opposition to state police with concerns that local security outfits might target individuals perceived as settlers.

He emphasized that granting governors control over security agencies could destabilize the fragile peace in Plateau State and worsen insecurity nationwide. His remarks add to the growing list of voices cautioning against the move, especially given Nigeria's history of ethnic and religious political conflicts.