Senate passed state police bill and governors can now appoint CPs

Senate just passed the state police bill today and I am still processing what this means for us. Godswill Akpabio announced it after more than two-thirds of senators voted by raising their hands.

The key part that got my attention is Clause 17. Governors can now appoint their own Commissioner of Police, subject to House of Assembly confirmation. Section 17(7) says the CP cannot arrest or investigate anyone for criticising the government except according to law. That clause is meant to prevent misuse against political opponents but we all know how these things work in practice.

Opeyemi Bamidele led the debate before the clauses were considered. With the insecurity we have across the North especially, state police might help. But I am worried about what governors will do with this power. What stops a governor from using state police to harass local government chairmen who oppose him?