By Abdullahi Jalalludeen
Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate, Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, has criticised the recent withdrawal of police security details from VIPs, describing the move as dangerous and in need of urgent review.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Kano, the Senator said stripping National Assembly members of adequate security exposes them to serious risks and makes them vulnerable at a time insecurity remains a major national challenge.
Senator Hanga also rejected the proposal for the creation of state police, warning that governors may abuse the system for political intimidation and personal interests.
He said establishing state police would likely trigger rivalry between federal and state security agencies, fuelled by the interests of political godfathers, thereby worsening the nation’s security problems.
On regional stability, the lawmaker expressed concern over the rising cases of attempted coups in some African countries, describing them as unfortunate and a setback to democratic governance.
He urged the executive arm of government to allow legislators at both federal and state levels to operate independently without interference in order to achieve national development goals.
Commenting on his legislative achievements, Senator Hanga disclosed that he sponsored a bill for the establishment of a University of Agriculture in Kura.
He said the bill has passed first and second readings but remains stalled despite earlier and similar bills from other lawmakers already receiving presidential assent and becoming operational.
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