Ex-Lawmaker Commends National Assembly Over State Police Bill

A former member of the House of Representatives, Kayode Oladele, has praised the National Assembly for passing the constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police, describing it as a landmark step towards tackling Nigeria's growing security challenges.

Oladele said the approval of the bill reflects the lawmakers' commitment to strengthening the country's security architecture through a more decentralised policing system. He noted that state police would enable quicker responses to local security threats while complementing the efforts of federal law enforcement agencies.

According to him, the proposed reform has been debated for years and has become increasingly necessary due to the evolving nature of insecurity across the country. He expressed optimism that the new policing structure would improve intelligence gathering, enhance community policing and boost public confidence in law enforcement.

The former lawmaker, however, stressed the need for adequate safeguards to prevent the abuse of state police by political office holders. He called for clear legal and institutional frameworks to ensure accountability, professionalism and respect for human rights once the system is operational.

The Senate passed the State Police Bill last week as part of a broader package of constitutional amendments aimed at addressing Nigeria's security challenges. The legislation will require approval by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted for presidential assent.