“State Police Will Be Politicised and Abused, Senator Hanga Warns”

By Ladan Nasidi, Kano

Senator Rufai Sani Hanga has firmly rejected the proposed creation of state police, cautioning that state governors could weaponise the system for political intimidation and personal gain.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Kano, Hanga said the idea poses significant risks to national security and unity.
“Creating state police is dangerous,” he warned. “Governors will definitely abuse the system. It will become a tool for political harassment rather than security.”

The lawmaker expressed concern that separate security formations at federal and state levels would create unhealthy competition among political power blocs.
“State and federal police will clash because of the conflicting interests of political godfathers,” he said. “This will only worsen the security challenges Nigerians are already facing.”

Hanga also criticised the recent withdrawal of police security details from VIPs, describing the decision as unsafe and ill-considered.
“It is risky to strip National Assembly members of adequate security,” he noted. “Such policies expose lawmakers to unnecessary danger.”

Turning to broader African political developments, the Senator condemned the wave of attempted coups on the continent.
“These coups are unfortunate and a major setback for democracy in Africa,” he lamented.

He stressed the need for the executive arm of government to respect the independence of the legislature at both federal and state levels.
“For Nigeria to progress, lawmakers must be allowed to operate freely without interference,” he stated.

On his legislative contributions, Hanga disclosed that he sponsored a bill seeking the establishment of a University of Agriculture in Kura.
According to him, the bill has already passed its first and second readings and is awaiting a third reading and presidential assent.

However, the Senator expressed frustration that the proposal has stalled.
“My bill is being delayed simply because I’m in the minority party,” he said. “Many other bills submitted after mine have already been approved and are now operational.”