As both chambers of the National Assembly passes the proposed Bill to establish state policing structures across the country, many governors, state houses of Assembly and political parties have thrown their weight behind the move.
The endorsements came barely 24 hours after the Senate passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police across the federation, a major step in Nigeria’s decades-long effort to decentralise policing and tackle worsening insecurity.
Among those who have expressed support for the move to give legislative backing to establishment of state police is the Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia who described the move as a landmark reform capable of transforming the country’s security framework.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the governor said, “the passage of the bill is a courageous and timely step,” adding that the passage of the Bill by both federal legislative chambers confirmed the “genuine intentions of national assembly members to address the problem of insecurity in the country.”
At the Kano State House of Assembly deliberations on the bill began almost immediately as the lawmakers convened a stakeholders’ meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to review the implications of the proposed amendment.
In Gombe State, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abubakar Luggerewo, said lawmakers would subject the bill to detailed scrutiny but disclosed that their preliminary assessment was positive.
“As soon as we receive communication from the National Assembly about the ratification of that bill, the House will receive and refer it to the committee led by the Deputy Speaker”, he stated.
In Akwa Ibom, Speaker Udeme Otong said lawmakers would first study the bill before taking a definitive position.
Bayelsa lawmakers indicated support for the proposal, as chairman of the House Committee on Information, Brown Ebizi, said the Assembly was prepared to expedite consideration of the bill once transmitted.
Support also came from the Forum of Progressive Speakers of State Legislatures under the APC.
In a statement signed by its Chairman and Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Haruna Dangyatin, the forum described the Senate’s action as a historic breakthrough.
Similarly, the Labour Party endorsed the proposed reform and urged governors and state lawmakers across the federation to support it.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, the party described the Senate’s action as a major milestone in efforts to strengthen internal security.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria also signalled support for the proposal.
Its Chairman and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, said state legislatures remained committed to giving the bill diligent consideration.
“As Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, we had earlier indicated our support for the proposed legislation because we believe that community-based policing, properly structured under law, will enhance safety and response time across our states. Security is local, and our people deserve policing architecture that understands their terrain and challenges.”
The bill has to be approved by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent. But the early endorsements by stakeholders raises hopes that the bill could secure the approvals needed to become law.
(Ripples)