Senate President, David Mark Canvasses Creation Of State Police

Agitation for the creation of state police got a huge boost from a strategic quarter today as the Senate President, Mr  David Mark added his voice to those calling for it to strengthen security across the states of the federation.

Mr Mark who said this at the opening ceremony of the Senate Constitution Review Committee (CRC) retreat in Asaba, Delta State today argued that opponents of state Police forget that agitators, particularly state governors would not stay in office for life and as such cannot be their private estate.

“Why are people against state Police? I was against state Police before but I have since changed my position. No governor will operate for more than eight years and after that, he will leave that office. He becomes and ordinary citizen. No amount of misuse should bar creation of state Police”, he stated.

The Senate President also defended the periodic review of the 1999 Constitution stressing that it is an imperfect legacy bequeathed to the country by the military.  According to him, ”The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which was bequeathed to us by the military, is far from being a perfect document. No plebiscite or referendum preceded its promulgation.  It is not surprising, therefore, that it contains a host of contradictions, lacunae and inconsistencies. These have engendered complaints from a cross section of Nigerians, and even from the executive branch of government.

“Your Excellencies, distinguished Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, let me assure you that the National Assembly will not foist a fait accompli on Nigerians, under the guise of Constitution review.  No Senator harbours any preconceptions as to what is to be inserted into the Constitution.  The Constitution is for all Nigerians and not for Senators alone!

“It is, therefore, the synthesis of the true will of the Nigerian people that will be reflected in the Constitution. But what we will not allow is for a vocal minority to foist its dictates on Nigerians.  The Senate will resist any such attempt.  We will certainly not permit the thunder of a fraction to drown the voice of the nation.”