Former Presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla has disagreed with the proponents, stating that it will not happen except there is an amendment of the constitution.
In a statement released in Calabar, Obono-Obla said it is unfair for them to give the impression to Nigerians that the President has the power to create State police by administrative fiat.
“My constitutional law lessons taught me that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has no modicum of power to set to create a State Police, as some of us have been advocating.
“The Nigeria Police Force is created by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1999 (as amended). Also, Police is an item under the exclusive legislative list in the first schedule of the Constitution. Items listed in the exclusive legislative list are only within the legislative competency of the federal government of Nigeria,” he said.
The public commentator and civil rights activist said that if Nigerians want State Police, then they should clamour for an amendment of the Constitution to remove Police from the exclusive list to the concurrent list.
He explained that for the constitution to be amended, 24 States’ Houses of Assembly must give their consent, while 2/3 Majority of the House of Representatives, and Senate must vote in support.
“Those who want State police must elect Senators, Representatives and State Assembly legislators that will vote in support of the amendment of the Constitution.
“Any presidential candidate who gives the impression that he will create State police without the support of the National Assembly and 24 States of the House of Assembly is lying.
“No President can create State Police through executive or administrative fiat. This is the truth of the matter,” he added.
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