Speaker of the Plateau State 10th Assembly, Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, has written an open letter to the two chambers of the National Assembly, the Senate and the House of Representatives, expressing his unalloyed support for the creation of state police which he argues will ensure that the state and the country in general become safer.
Gapyil who made his position known despite strong opposition to state police creation by the lawmaker representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Yusuf Gagdi, noted that the insecurity and violence in the state would be properly addressed if there was a state police made up of locals who know and understand the local terrains.
The Speaker stated that the creation of state police is a nationwide agitation and not just a Plateau affair, also taking into account that the security architecture in the country has proven inadequate especially with widespread violence, killings, and genocide occurring across the country, particularly in the North.
Gapyil stressed that despite substantial allocations to security agencies by the federal government, it was sad that insecurity in the country still persists while Nigerians continue to live in fear.
Using Plateau State as a case study, the Speaker said the situation has become scary with frequent attacks on communities especially in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Mangu, Riyom, Wase, Qua’an Pan and Jos South local government areas.
Gapyil lamented that the incessant attacks have not only caused immense hardship to the people, but have also affected survivors in terms of their health, education, food security, and psychological well-being.
Part of the letter reads:
“I write to you today as the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, representing the voices of my constituents and the broader Nigerian populace.
“The prevailing security challenges in our country demand urgent attention and collective action. As leaders, we have a moral obligation to prioritize the safety and security of our citizens.
“The creation of state police is a critical step towards addressing these security challenges. By empowering state governors to take responsibility for maintaining law and order in their respective states, we can respond more effectively to security threats.”
He emphasized that state police would create opportunities for rapid response, improved community policing, and a deeper understanding of regional security challenges.
He further opined that while concerns about potential abuse of powers are valid, they should not overshadow the imperative of protecting human life with robust accountability mechanisms, comprehensive training programs, and a national framework can be established to ensure that state police operate within the bounds of the law.
He called on the federal lawmakers to seriously consider the imperative of creating state police in Nigeria by putting aside political differences and prioritize the safety and security of the citizens.
While also addressing the legislators from the state, Gapyil said the interest and survival of Plateau people should guide their actions and utterances anytime they address the issue of insecurity in the state as their words have a way swaying their followers and supporters and could set the stage for more conflicts.
Plateau Assembly Speaker writes NASS, expresses support for creation of state police