Former Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN, has said that governors in Nigeria would find it difficult to misuse state police if the proposed system is implemented.

Speaking on Arise News on Friday, Sagay noted that any attempt by state governors to abuse the powers of state police would face strong resistance from civil society organisations and concerned Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday urged the Senate to commence discussions on constitutional amendments to accommodate the creation of state police, describing it as a crucial step in the fight against insecurity.

“The state police should operate under the overall control of the state governor, who is the chief security officer of the state,” Sagay said.

He added: “I am confident that the Nigerian civil society is robust enough to challenge any abuse of power. While some misuse may occur, knowing the nature of Nigerian politics, these can be checkmated. Offenders can be exposed, embarrassed, and, if necessary, taken to court.”

Sagay’s comments come amid renewed debates over the feasibility and potential risks of establishing state-controlled police units, with stakeholders calling for proper safeguards to prevent misuse.