Lagos Assembly seeks swift passage of State Police Bill

• Amplifies Call For States Autonomy

The Lagos State House of Assembly has reechoed its call for the establishment of State Police citing the urgent need to enhance security and promote community policing in the State.

At it’s plenary on Wednesday the House debated a motion reaffirming its unwavering support for the creation of State Police, while also imploring the 36 State Houses of Assembly to expedite consideration and approval of the Constitution alteration bill.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa who presided over the Plenary, expressed appreciation to the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Assembly and all stakeholders for the substantial advancements recorded in their attempts to bring State Police to fruition.

He described the initiative as the most practical solution to Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, which encompasses kidnapping, banditry and other forms of crimes.

While expressing approval of the Constitution alteration bill presently under consideration by the National Assembly, Speaker Obasa emphasized that the proposed framework for State Police must ensure genuine operational and administrative autonomy for each State.

He maintained that any intervention by the federal government in the operations of State Police be explicitly delineated by law and restricted to situations that pose threats to national security. Noting that each State should possess the constitutional authority to recruit, screen and appoint personnel best suited to protect its communities.

Supporting the proposed provision in the Bill which empower governors to appoint State Commissioners of Police, subject to confirmation by its State Houses of Assembly, Obasa recommends that appointments of Area Commanders, Zonal Commanders and other senior officers should equally be subjected to legislative confirmation by the respective State Assemblies.

While addressing concerns that State Police could be abused by State governors, Speaker Obasa noted that similar fears have existed regarding the Nigeria Police Force under the federal government, yet the Institution has continued to function.

He urged stakeholders not to allow such apprehensions to weaken the proposed reform, emphasizing that the overriding subject should improve security and protection of lives and properties.

Earlier while moving the motion, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe stated that although Section 214(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) presently recognizes only the Nigeria Police Force, ongoing constitutional reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, have created a unique opportunity to decentralize policing and establish State Police.

Other Lawmakers who contributed extensively commended the President for demonstrating the political will to pursue the constitutional amendment, noted that the National Assembly has already passed the Sixth Constitution alteration bill on State Police with the required two-thirds majority in both Chambers, while Lagos State House of Assembly has consistently championed the initiative as a means of improving community policing and addressing the nation’s growing security challenges.