State Police: Governors Can Appoint Commissioners, But Removal Requires Approval — Uba Sani

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has assured Nigerians that the proposed State Police system contains adequate safeguards to prevent governors from using it as a political tool.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television after the Senate approved constitutional amendments aimed at establishing state police services nationwide, Sani said the legal framework includes strict measures to check abuse of power.

According to the governor, while state governors may have the authority to appoint Commissioners of Police under the proposed arrangement, they will not be able to remove them at will.

He explained that the dismissal of a state police commissioner would require approvals from multiple institutions, including the Police Service Commission or Police Council, the National Assembly, and the State Assembly.

“I can tell you today that you can appoint the commissioner of police, but you cannot sack him. You can’t even remove him through the State Assembly alone. It must be done with the approval of the Police Service Commission or Police Council, as well as the National Assembly together with the State Assembly,” Sani stated.

He stressed that these provisions were deliberately included in the bill to prevent political interference and ensure accountability within the proposed state police structure.

The Kaduna governor expressed confidence that Nigerians would embrace the initiative, insisting that the proposal is not politically motivated but designed to strengthen security across the country.

Sani maintained that the establishment of state police would enhance the protection of lives and property and provide a more effective response to the security challenges facing different parts of Nigeria.

His comments come after the Senate on Wednesday passed constitutional amendments seeking to create state police services as part of ongoing efforts to reform the nation’s security architecture.