The Labour Party (LP), has publicly supported the proposed establishment of state police, commending the Senate for passing the Constitution Alteration Bill and urging governors and state Houses of Assembly across the country to support the reform.
The party described the passage of the bill as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to tackle growing security challenges and bring policing closer to local communities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, LP National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, praised the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for what it called its courage and patriotism in advancing the legislation.
“The Labour Party commends the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for its courage, swiftness and sense of patriotism in passing the State Police Bill recently transmitted to it by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Asogwa said.
The party noted that for years, Nigerians across different regions had demanded a more responsive and effective policing structure capable of addressing the country’s worsening security situation.
He said, “For years, Nigerians across all regions have clamoured for a more effective and responsive policing architecture capable of addressing the growing and increasingly complex security challenges confronting the nation.
“The passage of this Bill therefore represents a significant step towards strengthening internal security and bringing law enforcement closer to the people.”
The LP acknowledged concerns raised by critics over the possibility of governors abusing state police structures for political purposes.
However, Asogwa argued that the country’s security realities make a strong case for decentralising policing powers.
“While the Party acknowledges the concerns expressed in certain quarters regarding the possibility of abuse of the state police system, especially in view of our experience with State Independent Electoral Commissions and allegations of undue interference by some state governors, the realities of contemporary Nigeria make a compelling case for a decentralised policing structure,” he stated.
According to him, the constitutional safeguards embedded in the amendment bill are sufficient to check potential abuses and ensure accountability.
The party spokesman further argued that no policing arrangement is without its shortcomings, but maintained that the limitations of the current centralised system necessitate new approaches to security management.
He said, “The Labour Party is particularly encouraged by the constitutional safeguards embedded in the amendment Bill, especially the provisions contained in Section 17, which establish clear mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure accountability in the operation of state police.
“These safeguards, if faithfully implemented, should serve as effective checks against arbitrary control or misuse of the system by any state executive.”
(The Whistler)
