The People Democratic Party (PDP) governors have reminded President Muhammadu Buhari that the coercive instruments of state security are within his hands and not the governors.
The governors made the clarification while reacting to the President’s recent media interview on insecurity during a strategic meeting of the party held in Uyo on Monday.
The governors called for the decentralisation of the operations of the security apparatus of the state, even within the existing legal framework.
They explained that the move became necessary in the face of the disturbing spate of insecurity in the land, to ensure the input of local operators in state and local governments in policing and security.
They reminded the President that he has ultimate authority under the Constitution over the security organisations, even though the states have a role to play.
The leaders believe cooperation and synergy between states and the Federal Government in security operations were critical in securing the nation and its people.
They stated that despite being on the Exclusive List, the states spend huge sums of money to support the police and other security agencies to carry out their duties.
The governors called on the National Assembly to expedite action in passing the Electoral Act and Constitution amendments to ensure restructuring and decentralisation of governmental powers and functions.
