By Adebayo ObajemuThe Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum Tuesday gave endorsement to the proposed establishment of state police with a caveat that governors must have full constitutional powers to appoint and remove state Commissioners of Police, just as the President exercises authority over the Inspector-General of Police. The meeting was attended by former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Victor Attah; former Enugu State Governor, Okwesilieze Nwodo; National Chairman of PANDEF, Dr Godknows Igali; President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr Bitrus Pogu, and other leaders from the Southern and Middle Belt regions. Reading the communiqué, the chairman of the forum and factional leader of Afenifere, Chief Oladipo Olaitan, emphasized the group’s long-standing support for state policing but noted that it must reflect the principles of true federalism. He said, “SMBLF welcomes state police, of which we have been advocates over the years, but insists that state police should reflect true federalism and not a Federal State Police system. “To that end, state governors shall have the same power to appoint or remove a Commissioner of Police as the President in relation to the Inspector-General of Police”, he said.