Yemi Adaramodu, senator representing Ekiti South, says the federal government will intervene if governors abuse the proposed state police system.
Adaramodu spoke during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday.
His comments came after the Senate passed a constitutional amendment bill to establish state police.
Lists safeguards
Adaramodu said the proposed law contains safeguards against political abuse.
According to him, governors will not have the sole power to appoint state police commissioners.
Instead, he said the appointments will pass through the Federal Police Service Commission.
“The state police commissioners will not be appointed solely by the state governors,” he said.
“The appointment will go through the Federal Police Service Commission.”
Federal police can take over
Furthermore, Adaramodu said the federal police can assume the functions of a state police command if it is abused.
He said the takeover would happen if a governor uses the outfit for political, religious or sectional interests.
“If it is noticed that the state police is not being used for what it was constitutionally created for, the federal police can take over its roles and functions,” he said.
National assembly to approve intervention
Meanwhile, Adaramodu said any federal intervention would require legislative oversight.
He said the president cannot act alone.
“The federal police will not take over alone,” he said.
“It is going to be through the approval of the national assembly.”
Defines responsibilities
In addition, Adaramodu said the proposed law clearly separates the responsibilities of federal and state police.
According to him, the federal police will retain control over terrorism, cybercrime, border security and other national security matters.
State police, he said, will enforce state laws and maintain public order within their jurisdictions.
“These are safety valves that will stop anyone from using state police for personal agendas,” Adaramodu said.
