Opposition Using Firm Stand on State Police, Against Gov. Mutfwang – Group 

Nigeria

A group under the aegis of Plateau Youths for Progressive Change (PYPC), on Saturday, took a swipe on Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, a Member of the House of Representatives, while cautioning him to refrain from playing politics with the security of the people of Plateau State.

PYPC said, when the APC was incharge of the State, Gagdi and former Governor Simon Lalong’s led APC government were in support of “State Police”, and had tipping it as one of the solutions that would better secure the lives of the citizens, especially, in the hinterlands.

Recall that the Lawmaker, who represents Pankshin/Kanam/Kanke federal Constituency of Plateau State, had spoken against the proposal to create state police, especially when Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang restated his firm support for the establishment of state police as part of efforts to tackle insecurity across Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

Mutfwang had spoken during a special legal ceremony, marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year in Jos, emphasizing that the time for state police has come.

“I believe that the time for the creation of state police is now. When we do have state police, I am sure we will be able to respond better, and address many situations faster.” The Governor had said.

However, Gagdi in several media fora had kicked against the proposal, supporting his stands that Governors’ handling of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) have proved  that they cannot be trusted with control of state police.

“State Governors’ control of SIECs has shown consistent bias, with opposition parties routinely shut out of Local Government Elections.” He said.

Responding to the position of Gagdi, the PYPC Chairman, Comrade Ezra Yakubu, in a statement sent to our Correspondent said, the same opposition superintendent over SIEC in the State where they won all the 17 local government elections without allowing any other party to win even a Councillorship seat.

“Unlike the APC, when they were in power, the PDP conducted a free and fair LG election and we all witnessed that other political parties won Councillorship seats.” Yakubu said.

He questioned the yardstick used by Gagdi in measuring the security of lives and properties, saying that Governor Mutfwang cannot be wrong just because he is a PDP Governor.

“Every option that will restore lasting peace and guarantee the security of lives and properties must be explored and if possible implemented.

“If Gagdi is saying that the State Governor cannot be trusted with “State Police, can he earn our trust by declaring the increased constituency allowances given to him since the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu?

“The increased Constituency Budget is not commensurate with his output as seen in his locality.

“During his visit to his community ravaged by bandits a few weeks back, he called for “Community Policing”. What is the difference between community policing and state police?” Yakubu asked.