Support for state police is increasing, along with the role of Chiefs, governments and MPs

When both chambers of the National Assembly passed bills to establish state police structures across the country, many governors, state assemblies and political parties supported the move.

The support came just 24 hours after the Senate passed a Constitutional Amendment Bill that seeks to create state police forces across the federation, a major step in Nigeria’s decades-long effort to decentralize policing and tackle worsening insecurity.

Among those who have expressed support for the move to provide legislative support to the establishment of the state police force is the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia who described the move as an important reform capable of changing the security framework of the state.

In a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the governor said, “the passage of the bill is a bold and timely step,” adding that the passage of the bill by both bodies of the federal legislature affirms “the sincere intent of the members of the national assembly to address the issue of insecurity in the country.”

In the Kano State House of Assembly, discussions on the bill immediately began as lawmakers held a stakeholders meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to review the implications of the proposed amendments.

In Gombe State, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Luggerewo, said lawmakers would study the bill in detail but revealed that their initial assessment was positive.

“Once we receive communication from the National Assembly regarding the adoption of the bill, the House will receive and refer it to the committee headed by the Deputy Speaker,” he said.

In Akwa Ibom, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Udeme Otong, said lawmakers would study the bill first before taking a definitive stance.

Bayelsa lawmakers indicated support for the proposal, and chairman of the House Information Committee, Brown Ebizi, said the Assembly was ready to expedite consideration of the bill once it is passed.

Support also came from the Progressive Speakers Forum of the State Legislature under the APC.

In a statement signed by Chairman and Chairman of the Jigawa State Council, Haruna Dangyatin, the forum described the Senate’s action as a historic breakthrough.

Likewise, the Labor Party supports the proposed reforms and urges governors and state lawmakers across the federation to support them.

In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, the party described the Senate action as an important milestone in efforts to strengthen internal security.

The Conference of Chairmen of State Legislatures in Nigeria also signaled support for the proposal.

Chairman and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, said the state legislature remains committed to carefully considering the bill.

“As Chair of the 36th State House of Representatives, we have previously indicated our support for the proposed legislation because we believe that community-based policing, properly structured under the law, will improve safety and response times across our states. Safety is local, and our communities deserve a policing architecture that understands their terrain and challenges.”

The bill must be approved by at least 24 state Houses of Representatives before it can be submitted to President Bola Tinubu for approval. But initial support from stakeholders raises hopes that the bill can gain the necessary approval to become law.