In a significant legislative development, the House of Representatives has given a nod for the second reading of a bill aimed at establishing state police. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Honorable Banjamin Kalu, forms part of a broader constitutional alteration initiative. The key provision seeks to relocate the police force from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List. This strategic move effectively grants states the authority to independently manage and control their respective police forces.
During the plenary session, Honorable Tolani Shagaya led the debate on the bill, underscoring the critical necessity to decentralize the current centralized police force. He emphasized that such a measure is imperative to effectively address the prevailing security challenges across the nation. According to Shagaya, the proposed legislation will facilitate the restructuring of the National Police Council. Notably, this restructuring will include the inclusion of Chairmen from the State Police Service Commissions, highlighting the collaborative and consultative nature essential for effective policing in a federal system.
Adding their voices in support of the bill during the debate, several lawmakers expressed the view that the establishment of state police is long overdue. Honorable Ahmed Jaha, representing Borno State, Honorable Babajimi Benson from Lagos, Honorable Aliyu Madaki of Kano State, Honorable Marie Ebikake representing Bayelsa State, and Honorable Benedict Etanabene from Delta State all voiced their support for the proposed legislation.
However, not all members were in favor of the bill. Honorable Sada Soli from Katsina State argued against the establishment of state police, citing concerns about the financial implications. According to Soli, the capital-intensive nature of state policing necessitates addressing underlying socioeconomic issues before considering its implementation.
Following the debate, the lawmakers collectively voted in support of the bill during a voice vote led by Honorable Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House. The bill has now been referred to the Committee on Constitutional Review, marking a crucial step forward in the legislative process. The outcome of this committee’s deliberations will significantly shape the trajectory of the proposed state police initiative.