Rufai Sani Hanga, a New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) senator representing Kano Central at the National Assembly, has raised strong objections to the proposed establishment of state police, warning that the move could empower state governors to misuse security structures for political purposes.
The lawmaker, speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Kano, argued that decentralising policing would heighten political interference and weaken national cohesion.
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“Creating state police is dangerous,” he said. “Governors will definitely abuse the system. It will become a tool for political harassment rather than security.”
Hanga further cautioned that having both federal and state-controlled police forces could fuel rivalry between political interests. According to him, conflicting loyalties between state leaders and federal authorities could lead to clashes within the security architecture.
The Senator also criticised the recent withdrawal of police protection from certain VIPs, particularly members of the National Assembly. He described the decision as “unsafe,” insisting that it exposes legislators to heightened security risks.
Commenting on broader regional concerns, Hanga expressed disappointment over the resurgence of coup attempts in Africa, which he described as a “major setback for the continent’s democratic progress.”
On governance reforms, the lawmaker emphasised the need for the executive arm to respect legislative independence at both national and state levels, noting that “lawmakers must be allowed to operate freely without interference.”
Hanga also provided updates on his legislative efforts, including a bill he sponsored to establish a University of Agriculture in Kura. The bill has passed its first and second readings but is currently awaiting final legislative action and presidential assent. He expressed concern that the proposal has stalled, alleging that the delay is due to his minority party status.
