Gagdi Opposes State Police, Contradicts Plateau Governor Mutfwang

The member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Yusuf Gagdi, has opposed Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s persistent call for the establishment of state police.

Gagdi made his position clear on Sunday during a visit to communities in Kanam Local Government Area that have suffered recent attacks and displacement. He said he has never supported the governor’s agitation, warning that state police would likely be turned into a political weapon.

He acknowledged the increasing infiltration of bandits and militias in Plateau but insisted that setting up another security outfit was not the answer. According to him, despite the threats facing Garga, Kukawa, Kyaram, Gyambau, Dungur and Shuwaka communities under his constituency, state police would not solve the problem.

The lawmaker, who has been in the House for over a decade, called for stronger financial support for existing federal security agencies. He maintained that improving the funding and accountability of the police, military and intelligence services remained the best option for restoring peace.

“My position, even on the House floor, is that governors will misuse state police, particularly against political opponents, not to maintain peace and order,” Gagdi told journalists during the visit.

“I say this without fear of contradiction or political misrepresentation. Nigeria is not ripe for proliferation of security agencies. Rather, I support strengthening existing security agencies. Fund the police, military, Department of State Services and others adequately, and ensure accountability,” he added.

Gagdi argued that governors could use state police to settle political scores rather than confront insecurity. He reiterated his long-held opposition to creating parallel forces under the control of state leaders.

The lawmaker also urged the Federal Government and security operatives to intensify operations in the forests straddling Plateau, Taraba and Bauchi states to dismantle criminal hideouts.