By Olusegun Emmanuel, Abuja.
The agitation for and against the proposal for state police at the ongoing National Conference in Abuja, nearly marred the meeting of its Committee on National Security on Monday as the two co-chairmen of the committee were sharply divided on the issue.
Although the meeting was held in closed door, a reliable source who confided in our correspondent said while former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Jimeta Gambo (rtd) insisted that there should be no state police, his co-chairman, Chief A K Horsefall said that the country needs state police
Both chairmen, as gathered were said to be at the logger head with members of the committee divided along with them.
Alhaji Gambo insisted that Police should remain a central government affair, his co-chairman thought different along other members who believe there should be state police.
In a paper exclusively obtained by our correspondent, prepared and presented by chief Horsfal, titled “the security- general appraisal” advocates for creation of Ministry of Homeland Security MHS), which he stated will lead and coordinate internal security at all level.
It reads, “This means that at the community, LG, State and National levels the coordinator (Head of Centre) would be the MHS. At the national level, the minister of Homeland Security will provide executive capacity and leadership under the President.”
It is also proposed in the document that the office and functions of the National Security Adviser should remain as it is but working directly with the Minister of Homeland Security and the President.
In addition, it is also recommended that the Services should be allowed to design their system, identity needed equipment and purchase their equipment without political interference.
“The MoHS upon creation should take the landmass of Nigeria and with data and information design its security map of communities and LGs which it will use to design its “community policing” and thus deployment of staff and equipment as well as designation of Rapid Response Centres.
