Islamic Leader Warns Tinubu Against State Police Creation

Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, a senior Islamic cleric from Plateau State, has warned President Bola Tinubu against the proposed creation of state police, suggesting it could worsen political tensions and deepen insecurity in Nigeria. Speaking at a public religious program, Jingir expressed concerns that state police could be misused by politicians to target perceived enemies, reviving old ethnic and political disputes.

He emphasized that the establishment of state police might lead to unrest and division among communities. Jingir urged political leaders to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation rather than creating new security structures that could be manipulated for political gain.

He questioned the audience's acceptance of state police, which was met with a negative response. The cleric also cautioned against trusting politicians with armed security forces, asserting that such a move could lead to violence.

He called for the federal government to strengthen existing national security agencies instead of establishing parallel state structures.