House of Representatives Advances Bill for State Police Creation in Nigeria
A bill proposing the establishment of state police forces in Nigeria has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, signaling a potential shift in the country’s approach to security. The legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Provide for Establishment of State Police and for Related Matters,” was sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu and 17 other lawmakers.
While specific details of the proposed legislation have not been disclosed, the initiative is aimed at addressing the escalating security crisis facing the nation, including issues such as kidnapping and banditry. This move follows a recent meeting at the state house with President Bola Tinubu and 36 state governors, where the formation of state police was discussed as a potential solution to the country’s security challenges.
The idea of state police has been proposed in previous national assemblies but failed to gain traction. Advocates argue that state police would enhance security by bringing law enforcement closer to communities and allowing for more tailored responses to local needs. They point to existing state-funded security outfits like Amotekun and Ebube Agu as examples of the potential effectiveness of state-level policing.
Governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and regional groups such as Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo have expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges. However, the proposal has also sparked debate among lawmakers and stakeholders, with some raising concerns about potential abuse of power and the need for robust oversight mechanisms.
Despite the controversy, the advancement of the state police bill in the House of Representatives marks a significant development in Nigeria’s security discourse, suggesting a growing consensus on the need for reform in the country’s law enforcement and security architecture.
TheGuardian News
