Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu claims that his administration pays the salaries of some police personnel in Lagos, though it is under purview of the the federal government.
The payment of salary is for the 1,200 constabularies not the entire police force in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu revealed this on Channels TV Sunday evening while discussing why he ditched Amotekun for Lagos Neighourhood Safety Corps (LNSC).
The governor was also angry that President Muhammadu Buhari had ignored demands for state police.
“It is massive frustration, and it is a very simple thing that we are trying to address here,” Mr Sanwo-Olu admitted. “We currently support the Lagos State Police Command in all affairs.”
“We are paying their salaries,” the governor said, expounding on the extent of funding. "As a result, we are already incurring those costs. But if we know there are state police, it will support us.”
Insisting on the importance of each state controlling its police, Mr Sanwo-Olu argued, “We should make state policing happen. That is really one of the critical things I believe would help us. It’s been said over and over again.
“Modern crime cracking now is intelligence. It is how well you can smell a black spot before it became an endangered space for you, and that is what intelligence is all about, and you tell the people who are in charge that information.”
“But as it is still a federally-controlled police force. There is a limit to which we can intervene in their modes of operations and their rules of engagement.”
Regarding the recent launch of body cameras for state-owned security operatives, the governor pointed out, “We said we need to stay along the line where we have a comparative advantage. These are our own security operatives.
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“We want to hold you accountable. We want you to be accountable for your action and inaction. You are going to go through this protocol.”
Sounding pained that the police did not take a similar step, he said, “We cannot force the Nigeria Police. We can persuade them.
“We are trying to encourage them. But it also has consequences that they need to also be accountable for this.”
According to him, however, the police are considering providing body cameras for their officers.
“They need to know that in the events of issues or case, you will be held accountable.
“So they are looking at their own protocols, their own internal issues in their own internal structure.”
Mr Sanwo-Olu added, “Maybe they will come back to us. Let’s start with the one within our control.”
