7.12.2025
Deputy minority whip of the Senate, Rufai Hanga (NNPP-Kano Central), on Sunday rejected proposals to create state Police forces, cautioning that such a move could be exploited by State Governors for political intimidation and personal gain.
Mr Hanga spoke while addressing journalists in Kano on Sunday.
He said the establishment of state police would likely generate rivalry between federal and state security agencies, driven by the conflicting interests of political godfathers.
He warned that this would exacerbate the security challenges already facing Nigerians.
The lawmaker also criticised the recent withdrawal of police security details from VIPs, describing the decision as risky and requiring urgent review.
“Denying National Assembly members adequate security makes them vulnerable and exposes them to danger,” he said.
Mr Hanga said the proposal, if implemented, would “open a Pandora’s box of political repression”, allowing elected officials to deploy armed units against critics and dissenting voices.
He urged the legislators to reject the initiative and to focus instead on strengthening the existing federal police framework to ensure impartial law enforcement across the country.
The senator called on all Nigerians, regardless of party affiliation, to unite in defence of the nation’s hard‑won democracy and to reject any measure that could erode the rule of law.
Mr Hanga also highlighted his legislative initiatives, revealing that he sponsored a bill to establish a university of agriculture in Kura.
He said, “The bill has passed its first and second readings and awaits a third reading and presidential assent.” NAN
Kano State governor Kabir Yusuf and Senator Rufai Sanni Hanga.