Gombe differs on state police, says decentralization better
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
As the Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution North East Zone begins hearing on Wednesday, states and individuals have been making presentations.
The committee is under the chairmanship of Senator representing Gombe central, and former governor of Gombe State Danjuma Goje, in company of other distinguished members.
Speaking on behalf of Gombe State Government, Attorney General of the state and Commissioner for Justice Barr. Zubair Umar said for paucity of funds it would be inconsequential for the state to agitate for state police.
The Commissioner’s comment on the topical issue of establishment of state police generated murmurings from the audience.
He said since the current sharing formula favours the federal government, it would be unrealistic for the state to support such clamour, adding that the financial burdens of states makes the calls impracticable.
According to Zubair, when the relevant adjustments are made states should earn 60 percent of the revenue allocation.
“We believe that most of the resources required to have efficient and effective state police, may be practically impracticable for a state to say it is going to create it own State Police. Arms and ammunition, uniform, machineries for them where are we going to get that money?
“It is only federal government that has it. Our position is that there should be decentralization of the police,” Zubair said.
Zubair who accused lawmakers who legislated on both onshore and off shore dichotomy, adding that they were sleeping at the time.
Zubair added, “The time it was made as part of the law, some of the Representatives were sleeping. We need to have a revisit on both onshore and off shore dichotomy. Land mass should be given priority.
“There should be 60 percent in favour of state in terms of revenue allocation. There should be 35 percent affirmative action.”
Meanwhile, Taraba state, commissioner for Justice, Yusuf Akirikwen who was represented at the hearing listed six (6), thematic areas the state submitted memoranda, which includes the establishment of state police.
Goje announced the end of technical session at 4:57pm, after taking notes of presentations, he said proceedings would be continued by 10am on Thursday.
