Governor Uba Sani Declares: “State Police Is an Idea Whose Time Has Come” as 35 States Demand Security Autonomy

Governor Uba Sani has stirred the national security discourse with his emphatic endorsement of the creation of state police, asserting, “Where there is conflict, federal police will take precedence, just like in many other countries around the world.” Speaking during a policy dialogue in Abuja, Uba Sani emphasized that while state policing may raise concerns about potential abuse by governors, the structure of the proposed legislation offers firm safeguards. The Kaduna State Governor clarified that the drafters of the bill are crafting it to ensure state police units focus solely on tackling criminality, not being used as political tools.

Uba Sani’s comments follow rising anxiety over the implications of decentralizing police authority in Nigeria, a nation grappling with deep-seated ethno-political divisions. However, he contended that “the issue of state police is an idea whose time has come, whether we like it or not,” referencing broad consensus from state governments. The statement underscores a bold shift in governance, challenging the status quo of centralized law enforcement while attempting to balance security autonomy with political neutrality.

National Consensus Grows: 35 States Embrace State Police

Echoing his firm stance, Governor Uba Sani revealed that thirty-five out of Nigeria’s thirty-six states have now agreed to the establishment of state police—a development that signals overwhelming bipartisan support. “This is not just about Kaduna or any individual state. It’s a nationwide realization that our security architecture is broken and requires urgent restructuring,” he said. The governor’s remarks dismantle any remaining illusion that the proposal lacks political traction or public appetite.

The backing from nearly all Nigerian states marks a landmark moment in federalism and security governance. States, long marginalized in security decision-making, are now at the brink of reclaiming some jurisdictional power. The consensus indicates a unified acknowledgment that local realities demand local responses—an ideological leap from centralized policing, which has struggled to effectively combat insecurity in rural and urban Nigeria alike.

Fear of Political Weaponization Fuels Resistance

Despite growing support, resistance to the state police bill lingers, largely rooted in fears that governors might exploit the force for political repression. Civil society groups, opposition parties, and legal experts have voiced concern over potential misuse. “Nigeria’s democratic institutions are still fragile. Giving governors access to armed units could easily become a recipe for suppression, especially during elections,” said Dr. Kehinde Obafemi, a constitutional analyst.

In response, Governor Uba Sani reiterated that the framework of the bill would incorporate rigorous oversight mechanisms and judicial safeguards. He argued that existing checks and balances—such as independent policing boards and federal supremacy in cases of conflict—will act as buffers. “Let’s not allow the fear of the unknown to paralyze reform. We must innovate our way out of insecurity,” he said, urging critics to join the drafting process instead of rejecting it outright.

Lessons from Global Models Inspire Nigerian Policymakers

Governor Uba Sani’s comparison with international policing models has also reignited interest in how federal nations like the United States, Canada, and Germany operate decentralized law enforcement systems effectively. In many of these countries, state or provincial police focus on enforcing local laws while federal agencies handle national security and inter-state crimes. “We are not reinventing the wheel,” Sani remarked. “We are simply aligning with global best practices.”

Security experts argue that replicating such models could foster better community engagement and intelligence gathering, as local police are more likely to understand the dynamics of their environment. Furthermore, state police forces could alleviate the overstretched federal police, allowing them to focus on high-level threats like terrorism, drug trafficking, and transnational crime.

Constitutional Hurdles and the Legislative Road Ahead

While the consensus among governors is clear, the journey to constitutional amendment remains steep. The Nigerian Constitution currently centralizes policing under federal control, and any change would require approval from the National Assembly and at least 24 state legislatures. Governor Uba Sani has urged federal lawmakers to reflect the will of their constituents and expedite the legislative process. “Our constitution must evolve with our challenges,” he declared.

Legal analysts note that although the bill is gaining momentum, it must be crafted with surgical precision to avoid future legal ambiguities. Issues such as command structure, funding sources, jurisdictional overlap, and liability must be addressed to avoid institutional conflicts. As Uba Sani highlighted, “This is not about emotion; it’s about codifying clarity and responsibility into law.”

Public Reaction: Between Hope and Skepticism

The Nigerian public remains divided over the proposed reform. In Kaduna and other states, community leaders, traditional rulers, and youth organizations have expressed cautious optimism, believing state police could help curb banditry, kidnapping, and rural crime. “We are tired of calling Abuja for help that never comes. Let the people protect their own,” said Mallam Sani Ismail, a community leader in Southern Kaduna.

On the flip side, civil liberties advocates and opposition figures warn that without strict federal oversight, the forces could evolve into “personal militias.” However, Governor Uba Sani maintains that transparency, accountability, and citizens’ rights must form the pillars of the new system. “State police is not a silver bullet, but it’s a vital step in our collective security renaissance,” he said, rounding off his remarks with a call for unity and vigilance in the legislative process.