The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has dismissed concerns that the proposed State Police system could be abused by state governors for political purposes, insisting that the legislation contains strong safeguards designed to prevent misuse.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television shortly after the Senate approved constitutional amendments establishing State Police, Sani said the framework was carefully structured to ensure accountability and institutional independence.

According to the governor, one of the key protections in the proposed law is that while governors may have the authority to appoint a State Commissioner of Police, they would not possess unilateral powers to remove such officials from office.

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Explaining the provisions of the bill, Sani stated that the removal of a State Commissioner of Police would require a broader approval process involving multiple institutions.

He said:

“I can tell you today that you can appoint the commissioner of police but you cannot sack him. You can’t even sack him by the state assembly alone.”

According to him, any removal process would require the involvement of bodies such as the Police Service Commission or Police Council, alongside both the National Assembly and the relevant State Assembly.

The governor argued that these provisions were deliberately included to prevent political interference and ensure that state police officers remain professional in carrying out their duties.

Sani maintained that the State Police initiative is fundamentally about improving security across Nigeria rather than expanding political influence.

He expressed confidence that Nigerians would eventually support the proposal once they understand its objectives and operational safeguards.

According to him, the primary goal is to strengthen the protection of lives and property by creating policing structures that are closer to local communities and more responsive to security threats.

“The initiative is aimed solely at improving security and addressing the challenges facing communities across the country,” he said.

The governor’s comments came shortly after the Senate passed constitutional amendments seeking to establish State Police services nationwide.

The legislation represents one of the most significant proposed reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture since the return to democratic governance in 1999.

Supporters argue that decentralized policing will improve intelligence gathering, community engagement, and rapid response to crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal violence.

However, critics have continued to raise concerns that state-controlled police forces could be exploited by governors against political opponents, making the safeguards highlighted by Sani a central part of the ongoing debate.

The bill must still secure approval from the House of Representatives, receive endorsement from state Houses of Assembly, and obtain presidential assent before it becomes law.

If enacted, State Police would operate alongside the federal police structure, with clearly defined responsibilities and oversight mechanisms designed to balance state autonomy with national security interests.