Killings: PDP Govs Call for Decentralization of Nigeria’s Security Apparatus

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Worried by the spate of insecurity across the country, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has called on the Federal Government to consider decentralization of the security apparatus of the country by creating state police.

The governors took the position when they paid a condolence and solidarity visit to the Governor of Plateau State, Mr. Caleb Mutfwang, over the recent killings in the state.

The Forum, led by its Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, said: “We are with you, and we know you are a Nigerian par excellence and a statesman. We believe you will handle the crisis appropriately.”

Highlighting the limitations of the current security structure and the importance of engaging local communities, the governors said: “We need some decentralization of the security apparatus so that we can enhance good governance by having good state police.”

The governors, who donated a sum of N100 million to support rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas in the state, also stressed the need for a united front in tackling the security challenge headlong, urging the Federal Government to look at the crisis in the state, not as sectarian or sectional seeing that it has lingered for too long.

Responding, Mutfwang expressed his heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the significance of the visit at such a trying time. 

He underscored the fact that insecurity has become a national issue, and the imperativeness to rebuild trust within communities, emphasizing the need to see this as a collective responsibility of all and sundry. 

He also expressed optimism about the PDP’s role as a formidable opposition, dedicated to delivering dividends of democracy, saying: “Nigerians have always trusted the PDP, and that for me is enough reason to continue to do the best I can.”

Members of the Forum, who joined Governor Mohammed in the visit, were Governors Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State; Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.