By Stephen Simon
Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly have thrown their weight behind ongoing efforts to establish state police, describing the proposal as a major step towards addressing insecurity and strengthening Nigeria’s federal system.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, in a statement issued by its Chairman and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, said community-based policing would improve intelligence gathering, enhance public safety and enable quicker responses to security threats across the country.
The conference noted that the endorsement followed the passage of the state police bill by the Senate as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process, describing the development as a significant milestone in efforts to reform the nation’s policing structure.
According to the speakers, policing is most effective when it reflects the peculiar security needs of local communities, adding that a decentralised policing system would complement the operations of the Nigeria Police Force in tackling crimes such as kidnapping, banditry and communal violence.
They assured Nigerians that state legislatures would give the proposed constitutional amendment thorough consideration in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including stakeholder consultations and public hearings where necessary before ratification.
The conference also called on relevant stakeholders to sustain constructive engagement on the proposed reform, expressing optimism that the initiative would contribute to improved security and the protection of lives and property across the country.
