Why I Support State Police –Amaechi

Governor Chibuike Amaechi has underscored national interest
as the primary reason for his numerous calls for the establishment of state
police.

Making his position public while playing host to the House
of Representatives Committee on Airforce led by its Chairman, Hon. Kenneth
Archibong on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Amaechi maintained that his position
was aimed at strengthening security of lives and properties of ordinary
Nigerians.

The Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum argued that
currently the federal police has not been able to respond to the security
challenges facing the country ,as he ruled out claims that state police, if
established would be abused by state chief executives.

‘’ When you hear Governors demand for state police it is not
because they want state police, it is because the national police is yet to
fulfill its mandate and the level of insecurity in the states warrant the need
for us to do something other than what is being done now. If not, if you say no
State Police you still expose the lives and properties of Nigerians to danger
and you will expose us to more unemployment, because nobody will want to come
to Nigeria because of the problem of insecurity.’’

On the claim that state police will be abused by politicians,
Amaechi remarked,’’ if we don’t want state police because the Governors will
abuse it when I leave office what happens? The next Governor will use it to
abuse me.’’

Earlier, Chairman of the committee, Hon. Kenneth Archibong
lauded Governor Amaechi over his support to the airforce, especially in
providing the necessary logistics to beef up security.

Archibong said,’’ the cordiality and support is the result
of the peace and success of this administration…We have noted with keen
interest your versatile intent to succeed since you assumed office’’.

The Rep member also commended the Rivers State Governor for
his infrastructure development in the health care and education sectors,  adding that,’’ one of the problems we have in
the National Assembly we wish people would emulate what you are doing’’.

He also praised the Governor for his plan to site a hospital
in the Airforce base in Port Harcourt.