You didn’t read the state police bill, Akpabio’s aide tells Obi

Tijani Mustapha, an aide to Godswill Akpabio, the senate president has dismissed Peter Obi’s criticism of the recently passed state police bill, insisting that the former presidential candidate commented on the legislation without reading its contents.

Akpabio’s media aide, remarked while reacting to Obi’s reservations about the bill, which was recently passed by the National Assembly as part of efforts to decentralise policing in Nigeria.

Obi had questioned the manner in which the legislation was processed, arguing that the absence of a public hearing and the speed of its passage had raised concerns over possible political motives.

He also warned that state police could be misused by governors to intimidate political opponents and influence elections unless the law provides for truly independent oversight bodies, including State Police Service Commissions insulated from executive control.

Responding in a post on X, Mustapha rejected Obi’s position, saying the legislation already contains provisions establishing an independent State Police Service Commission.

According to him, Obi’s comments showed that he had not studied the bill before criticising it.

“You clearly didn’t read the bill as passed. I know this because your major concern about the creation of an independent State Police Service Commission was duly addressed in the bill,” Mustapha said.

He further criticised Obi, arguing that his comments were based on an inaccurate understanding of the legislation.