Agitation for the legislation of state police is a matter that has been on the front burner for some time, especially against the backdrop of the current security challenges encountered in some parts of the country. Some people, including state governors, have also seized the opportunity of the current efforts by the National Assembly to amend the constitution to ventilate their views on the matter.The Nigerian Tribune, being the people's voice, sought the views of Nigerians on the matter through an opinion poll on our website; www.tribune.com.ng. The outcome of the poll shows that a majority (73.5 per cent) of respondents to the question posed on whether they would support the creation of state police voted 'yes', 24.8 voted 'no', while 1.7 per cent voted 'indifferent'.The question was also posted on our Facebook page where respondents were able to express their opinions on the issue. Excerpts.PETERSIDE Ajakaiye Omo Ajakaiye: No. Bcos (because) trust Nigerians, they will abuse it.Ademola Segun Adesoji: The idea is not welcome because the governors would always use the state police to achieve their aims.Olanrewaju Olanlokun Adeolu: Yes, I support the creation of state police.Ahmed 'captain Medlat' Olatidoye: No, because the state governors and their godfathers would be too powerful and they would use it against their opponents.Hezekiah 'Sanya Okunlade Hso: Nigerians are not objective enough 2 (to) have state police.Adedokun Peter Apata: NOOlawumi David Adewale: No to state police. Dat (That) will be to d (the) advantage of d (the) governors and they will abuse it.Ajala Peter O: No, because there would be confusion btw (between) state and federal police.Ganiyu Bolaji Ayinla: No I don't support the creation of state police because we are not mature enough to use state police.Stephen Ofejirho: No, governors will misuse them; they will use them to fight opposition parties in their respective states.Donatus Dona-ville: YES! This is bcos (because) dias (there's) absence of red-tapism.Yusuf Abdullahi Bala: NoOwolabi Gbolagade S: No, because they can't be efficient.Popoola Kehinde Oyeniyi: Yes, the creation of state police is very important if we understand d (the) concept of working federalism, because it is very good for all federating units to have autonomy. This explains the reason why states in Nigeria have been pocketed by the federal government. It will also reduce the burden of the central government as far as security issues is concerned as it was the practice in the first republic. It is also an avenue for job creation.Arowojolu Michael: NO! We aren't mature enough to do dat (that). It will be abused, politicised and may lead to confusion. Surely it will create employment opportunities, but d confusion, corruption and abuse dat (that) will follow will nullify its good effects.Ovie Benjamin: No, because there will be more corruption in the country. Let's look at the ones we already have they are even intimidating people and collecting N20 from the citizens.Prince Xhan: NoAdegbayemu Babalola: I am not in support of the creation of state police bcos (because) the sitting governors will always use them to achieve their ambition even when not in public interest.Daudu Pesco: Yes, there are always two sides to a coin. They will be closer to the people too, not just the politicians.Iyabo Oyebola: No.Adeleke Sunday: Policing is good as a profession, even there are many credible policemen in Nigeria but I am afraid that those politicians will use them for their own interests.Olawuyi Funmi: No, because the state government will misuse the opportunity, they will use it for their own benefit.Bashorun-Agbaoye Kabiru: Having state police is okay.Stephen Akobi: My candid opinion is "NO" because that will create room for breeding of terrorism and intimidation, more threat to security and national peace.Lafah M Mamshep: NoJoy Onagunwa: YES. It will reduce corruption bcos (because) we know one another and the criminal elements can be fished out easily. It will engender efficiency and productivity; it will create employment for youths; it will make governors more responsible on security.Adisa Moshood Olaitan: No, this is not d (the) best time we should b talking about state police bcos (because) Lagos is stylishly practising state police by creating LASTMA but the degree of corruption in LASTMA is worrisome.Secondly, politicians will be using it against opposition especially governors. The whole process will be hijacked like state ministries.Kosy Osunor Christos: Yes, I support it if d (the) government will b (be) regionalised, but if not there won't be any need for state police as long as we still practise this pseudo-federalism. My reasons is dat (that) it will worsen d (the) present security challenges we are facing; Boko Haram will be legalised by northern governors, OPC (Odua Peoples Congress) will be endorsed, militants and MASSOB will carry arms and badge. It will be bigoted and each region will use theirs against members of d (the) oda (other) region resident in dia (their) area.Solaja Ayodeji: No, it can't work.Aremu Sakiru Bayonle: I think no for now because we're not yet mature to handle it, may be in years to come when we stop corruption and do or die politics.
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