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The Lagos State House of Assembly has reaffirmed support for the establishment of the State Police. This was the crux of the plenary session on Wednesday 8 July, chaired by President Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
The motion, put forward by the Hon. Stephen Ogundipe and assisted by Hon. Aro Moshood, aimed to sensitize other state assemblies to embrace the initiative and prepare for its implementation as part of the ongoing constitutional reforms.
President Obasa, together with other honorable members, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and other stakeholders for their political will and progress in pushing forward the constitutional amendment.
Obasa described the State Police as the most practical solution to Nigeria’s growing security challenges, including kidnapping and banditry, while stressing that each State must maintain genuine operational autonomy. He added that federal intervention should only occur in clearly defined situations that threaten national security and must be implemented in a transparent manner.
The President also supported the provisions of the Constitution Amendment Bill that empower governors to appoint State Commissioners of Police, subject to confirmation by the State Assemblies, and recommended that senior appointments such as area commanders and zonal commanders should also be subjected to legislative screening.
Responding to concerns over possible abuse of the State Police by governors, he noted that similar fears have long existed regarding the Nigeria Police Force under federal control, yet the institution continues to function. He urged citizens not to let such apprehensions derail reforms aimed at improving safety and protecting lives.
The lawmakers stressed that Lagos has consistently supported the initiative as a means to strengthen community policing and address the nation’s growing security challenges. They called on other state assemblies to expedite the consideration and approval of the Constitution amendment bill, stressing that the reform is a collective effort that requires preparation at the national level.
Following President Tinubu’s eulogy, the Assembly turned its attention to a bill that seeks to ban street begging and hawking across Lagos State. The bill, which passed its second reading, aims to address urban disorder while balancing humanitarian concerns.
Speaking in the debate, the Hon. Desmond Elliot highlighted the need for a compassionate approach, particularly towards children found on the streets. He urged the Government to remove vulnerable children from the streets by providing them with adequate care and rehabilitation, and also to ensure that relevant state agencies effectively fulfill their responsibilities.
Hon Aro Moshood called for careful scrutiny of the provisions of the bill to prevent misinterpretation or abuse by law enforcement agencies. Hon Bonu Solomon noted that many street beggars in Lagos are not natives of the state and recommended that the law penalize indiscriminate donations including the arrest of adult beggars.
Hon Noheem Adams described the bill as a timely intervention, advocating for the relocation of beggars to rehabilitation centers where they can receive vocational and social support, citing similar measures in states such as Kano, Kaduna, Niger, Anambra, Abia and the Federal Capital Territory.
Chairing the debate, President Obasa acknowledged that giving to the needy is noble, but warned that the growing rate of street begging has become a source of insecurity and public concern. He suggested that the government should establish structured channels for charitable donations to truly needy people, while ensuring rehabilitation and reintegration of beggars into society. It also advised that the proposed legislation be harmonized with existing laws to ensure effective implementation.
Subsequently, the President handed over the bill to the Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development, ordering it to report its findings within two weeks.
