The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has urged President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, state governments and other stakeholders not to rush the creation of state police.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Secretary General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the Council said there should be wider consultations with Nigerians before making any constitutional changes on the issue.Nigerian Current Events
The Council said it has been following the ongoing debate on state police and described the proposal as one that could have major effects on justice, national unity and the country’s future.
It acknowledged that Nigeria is facing serious security challenges, with many people killed, millions displaced and communities living in fear due to insecurity.
However, the Council said creating state police should not be seen as a quick solution. It argued that the country’s security problems are mainly caused by poor funding, corruption, lack of personnel, poor welfare for security officers, weak intelligence, outdated equipment and poor coordination among security agencies.
According to the Council, these problems will not disappear simply by giving policing powers to state governments. Instead, it called on the government to strengthen existing security agencies through better funding, recruitment, improved intelligence, modern technology, stronger border security, accountability and professionalism.
The Council also expressed concern over what it described as the speed of the constitutional amendment process. It said such an important issue should involve broad public consultations, transparent hearings and national consensus before any final decision is taken.
It added that many Nigerians believe the National Assembly has not carried out enough consultations on the proposal.
The Council, however, praised lawmakers who have called for due process and wider consultations, saying they are acting in the national interest.
It also warned that any state police system must not become a tool for political intimidation or discrimination.
The Council stressed that Nigeria’s religious, ethnic and political diversity requires a policing system that protects every citizen equally under the Constitution.
