Dogara: State Police Could Empower Governors To Establish Militias

Dogara: State Police Could Empower Governors To Establish Militias

The issue of state police in Nigeria has sparked ongoing debate, with some governors and regional groups such as Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo advocating for its implementation to combat rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and other crimes…….. CONTINUE READING

However, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dogara, expressed strong skepticism about the idea during a recent appearance on Channels TV’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande. He derided the notion as impractical, citing concerns over governors misusing their authority. According to Dogara, some governors already manipulate state-controlled electoral bodies to ensure favorable outcomes in local elections.

He cautioned that granting state police powers to governors could lead to the formation of partisan militias, stifling opposition voices and perpetuating electoral fraud. Dogara pointed out that some states struggle to pay civil servants’ salaries, raising fears that poorly managed state police forces could exacerbate insecurity rather than alleviate it.

Dogara criticized the lack of accountability and transparency in state electoral processes, where ruling parties routinely secure overwhelming victories. He argued that bolstering governors’ control with state police would undermine democratic principles, potentially transforming law enforcement into tools of coercion and election rigging.

In Dogara’s view, Nigeria’s democracy is still fragile and incapable of withstanding the potential abuse of power that state police might enable. He emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where dissent and opposition can thrive without fear of reprisal or intimidation, asserting that true democracy demands such freedom.