Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, a well-known Islamic cleric in Plateau State, has vehemently denounced the Federal Government’s intentions to create state police, cautioning that doing so will exacerbate insecurity and encourage political persecution.
According to reports, Jingir’s remarks were made just days after President Bola Tinubu asked the National Assembly to think about changing the Constitution to permit the establishment of state police as part of initiatives to address the nation’s growing insecurity.
The clergyman issued a warning, meanwhile, that abuse may result from the decentralization of police authority, especially in politically delicate states like Plateau.
The Islamic scholar, Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah, National Chairman of the Council of Ulama, voiced concerns that politicians could influence state-run security forces during a program in Jos on Sunday.
He said that these kinds of buildings might be used to kill or threaten political opponents in the name of security.
He claimed that state police might be used as weapons to undermine the tenuous peace in a politically heated setting like Plateau State.
Sheikh Jingir stated, “Some issues, they will pretend as though everything has gone down, but they will just raise them when the security outfit is established.”
The cleric also explained his long-standing disapproval of state police by citing worries that the group would be used by the locals to attack anyone they believe to be settlers.
He cautioned that the establishment of security agencies under state control could give some factions the confidence to drive others from the state.
They advocate for the establishment of police in every state. Will we accept it if someone claims he will? He raised a rhetorical question.
Worshippers echoed, “Not at all,” in response.
Speaking directly to President Tinubu, Sheikh Jingir warned against giving governors the power to manage security forces.
You are aware of how they deceived us. Some of these politicians are not as good as you or someone like Kashim Shettima, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He declared, “Wallahi, if you allow them to set up police, they will begin murdering people who do not share their political beliefs.”
He emphasized his belief that not all political actors should be entrusted with such authority by mentioning Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The cleric emphasized that political interests must yield to peace and stability, even as he acknowledged the growing insecurity in Nigeria.
In order to achieve enduring peace, he advocated for ongoing communication between political players and communities as opposed to the establishment of new security frameworks that would widen gaps.
The argument over state police has heated up in recent weeks. Supporters contend that decentralized policing would enhance local information collecting and reaction times, while opponents worry it will strengthen government control over security and worsen ethnic and political tensions.
Sheikh Jingir’s comments join an increasing number of voices warning against the plan as the National Assembly analyzes possible constitutional revisions, especially in states with a history of political and ethno-religious instability.
