Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police (Compol), Abubakar Tsav, has stressed that state police in the hands of politicians would be abused especially against perceived political opponents, particularly during elections.
He also argued that competence and professionalism would not be adhered to in the hands of politicians, as the state police boss would bow to the whims and caprices of state governors.
The former Compol insisted that the creation of State Police would be an invitation to anarchy.
Speaking with in Makurdi on Monday, Tsav also observed that the single five-year tenure approved by the Senate for the Inspector General of Police (IGP) was too long.
Even though he did not give a specific time frame, the Compol called on the Senate to review the approval.
According to him, “The five-year tenure approved for the IGP by the Nigerian Senate, is in my view, too long for an IGP especially if such IGP is incompetent and corrupt.
“It’s not easy for an officer to serve as IGP for five years and still retain his health. This Senate approval need to be revisited.”
On the issue of State Police, Tsav observed that in a situation where most politicians were power drunk and see themselves as demi-gods, it would be dangerous to establish State Police.
He said, “For now, I dare say, “create State Police and prepare for anarchy”
“Ordinarily one would expect that the establishment of State Police may address the deteriorating security situation in the country and reduce the IGP’s work-load, but I hold a contrary view.
“State Police in a country where the people are civilized, God-fearing, honest and honourable and believe in undiluted justice and the rule of law, this may be quite ideal and of great advantage to the society, but not in a country where our leaders see themselves as Emperors or demi-gods.
“A State Police in the hands or under such politicians will be recklessly abused and misused especially against political opponents and at elections. The State Commissioner of Police will operate under the whims and caprices of the State Governor and where he fails, he may be fired.
“In a situation like this, there will be no security of tenure and competence; professionalism will be lost and thrown to the dogs.
“I am an insider and I know what I am saying; State Police may be created when we are civilized, honest, accommodating and have faith in God and the rule of law but not as it is now.
“Our politicians are power drunk and rottenly corrupt. They will misuse the Police unless the institution of the Police is strengthened with the appropriate amendment of our Constitution.
“We are not yet ripe for State Police. We are primitive and shamelessly power drunk. It’s like arming a mad man and throwing him on the street. That is how the situation will be.
“This apart, can the States fund the Police when some cannot even pay salaries?” he queried.
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