IBB backs creation of state police •Turns 71 today

Written by Adelowo Oladipo, Minna Friday, 17 August 2012

FORMER military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has thrown his weight behind the establishment of state police, saying that the fears being entertained in certain quarters for the creation of state police were unfounded.

He said the fears of the 1950s, when the state police were used by political office holders against opposition party members, should not continue to haunt the country in the present dispensation.

He stated this while entertaining questions from some newsmen at his Uphill mansion, Minna, Niger State capital, on the eve of his 71st birthday.

“Left to me, the whole essence of governance is to provide adequate security for the people and in whatever way this is achieved, it is acceptable. I don’t think what happened in the 50s should continue to haunt us. We should try to move on.

“When we were there, we established the National Guards that was so vilified and was later dropped. Why should we think that what happened in the 50s when the regional police were used to intimidate members of the opposition political parties will continue to happen under the present dispensation.

“I don’t think the incumbent governors can use state police to intimidate anybody. Honestly, the fear is unfounded.”

While baring his mind on the issue of Boko Haram, the former president stated that the lingering security challenges in some parts of the country were what any developing country must go through.

He also enjoined the Nigerian media practitioners to stop giving prominence to those suggesting the break-up of Nigeria and described the call on President Goodluck Jonathan to resign as laughable.

Recalling last year’s bitter face-off between him and his former boss, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Babangida, who described the two-time head of state as a strong believer in the unity of the country, pointed out that no matter the level of their disagreement, they would continue to unite for Nigeria.

SOURCE: Nigerian Tribune, 17August 2012. http://tribune.com.ng