The Committee on the Devolution of Powers in the National Conference on Monday in Abuja voted against the creation of state police in the country, saying Nigeria was not ripe for it.
A majority voice vote approach was adopted by the co-chairman of the committee and former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie, to kill the proposal for the establishment of state police in the country.
Speaking on the matter, all delegates from the North were unanimous in their opposition to creation of state police as they were of the opinion that doing so would be wrong for the country to establish state police at the moment given its security challenges.
They insisted that state police would be abused by state governments, who they noted, would be using it to intimidate their political opponents.
The argument on whether the power to extract mines and mineral resources should remain on the Exclusive List, as contained in the existing constitution was adjourned after about four hours of debate to make room for more consultations.
Speaking on the matter, Mr. Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), an Oyo State delegate said, “We can adjourn to make further consultations. I agree it is a very sensitive matter. For me, we can go for further consultations.”
Similarly, Chief Dozie Ikedife, a South-East delegate suggested that the matter be defend till another time.
“Let’s leave this matter till tomorrow. Mr. Chairman, let us sleep over this matter and continue with it tomorrow. Let’s us stand this matter down today. That’s the summary of what I am saying,” he said.