A retired commissioner of police, Balarabe Sule, has said that the creation of state police will face funding challenges in many states when it becomes fully operational.

Mr Sule stated this during an interview in Calabar while reacting to the Senate’s passage of the bill for the creation of state police on Wednesday.

While noting that its creation would reduce crime, he expressed doubts about the country’s readiness for it.

Mr Sule also mentioned that, apart from funding issues, the creation of state police would be prone to corruption, abuse, conflicts of interest, and a lack of uniformity.

According to him, each state has its unique economic and resource challenges.

“I can very well tell you that many states will not have the resources to equip and pay remuneration for those to be employed to function effectively.

“In addition, there will be no uniformity in the operations of the personnel across the federation. You don’t expect an officer who is not well paid and equipped to perform optimally.

“This is where corruption will arise. Definitely, when you don’t pay them well and as when due, they will be exposed to corruption,” Mr Sule explained.

Mr Sule said that state police would also be prone to abuse by governors.

“Again, I also fear that state police will be subject to abuse by governors, who pay them irrespective of the checks and balances,” he said.

Mr Sule explained that state police would reduce crime nationwide because those recruited by their respective states would serve in familiar terrain.

“Recruitment will be done in such a way that only the indigenous people will be posted to their areas. In your locality, you practically know everyone and where crimes are likely to be committed.

“Having said this, I believe that Nigeria is not yet ripe for state police simply for the fact that we are not as exposed as the countries where this is practised.

The executive bill to create state police was passed by the Senate on Wednesday.

(NAN)