Decentralised policing is inevitable, says Uba Sani

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna state, says decentralised policing is a viable path to curbing Nigeria’s insecurity.

Sani spoke on Saturday during the north-west constitution review public hearing in Kaduna.

Represented by his deputy, Hadiza Balarabe, Sani noted that security must begin at the local level to be truly national.

Calls for the establishment of state police have gathered renewed momentum amid a surge in violent attacks across the country.

“Decentralised policing is not only desirable but inevitable,” the governor said.

He said the constitution review process must address the country’s current governance challenges.

“The constitution must cease to be a document of convenience for the powerful and become a charter of empowerment for the people,” the governor said.

On fiscal federalism, the governor recommended decongesting the exclusive legislative list to grant states more powers, thereby promoting development.

“Overcentralisation has stifled innovation, discouraged local problem-solving, and alienated citizens,” he said.

Madaki Sani, the deputy minority leader of the house of representatives and chair of the public hearing, said the constitution review will shape the nation’s future by addressing its present challenges.

“A constitution that remains static risks becoming detached from the people’s reality. We must ensure our supreme law speaks to present-day challenges while offering durable solutions for tomorrow,” he said.