Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared his total support for the creation of state police currently being canvassed by the National Assembly.
The senate led by Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki on Tuesday mandated its ad-hoc committee on constitution review to initiate the process of amending the constitution for the creation of state police.
The lawmakers said that creation of state police would help address most of the security challenges plaguing the nation.
Recall that more than 100 persons were killed in three local governments in Plateau State penultimate weekend, with many blaming the federally-controlled police for failing to respond to the attacks despite it lasting for several hours.
Responding to the senate’s move in a Wednesday statement, Atiku praised the lawmakers’ concern for finding a lasting solution to the myriad security security challenges bedeviling the nation.
He said, “A peculiar crisis demands a decisive action, and I am one hundred percent behind the national assembly in its efforts to strengthen the hands of state governments in providing security to their citizens.
“Nigeria must show, by words and action, that the lives of our armed forces and the police and indeed, of any Nigerian matter to us. Even one loss of life is a loss too many.”
The Waziri Adamawa said the move would be welcomed by the states as it would open a new vista for strengthening of security architecture in the states.
Atiku further commiserated with the families of the seven policemen that were gunned down in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Tuesday morning.
I agree with the National Assembly and Atiku on the creation of State Police.
The rate of insecurity in the country has made the call for additional men in our security apparatus very necessary and to also compliment the efforts of the Federal Police.
Protection of lives and properties of citizens are the primary responsibilities of any democratically elected government and with recent killings in the country, the Apc/Buhari led FG has not done enough.