State Legislatures' Speakers Endorse State Police Bill, Pledge Diligent Review

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria has expressed its approval for the Senate's decision to pass the State Police Bill for a second reading. They view this as a crucial stride toward bolstering the nation's security architecture and entrenching true federalism.

Emomotimi Guwor, who chairs the Conference and also serves as the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, conveyed this position in a statement released on Thursday. Guwor highlighted the Conference's unwavering support for the creation of state police, emphasizing that a community-focused policing model would significantly enhance security response times and more effectively tackle challenges at the local level.

Guwor remarked, “This development marks a significant milestone in the national conversation on policing, security, and true federalism in Nigeria.” He further explained that the 36 state legislatures are convinced that law enforcement structures embedded within local communities would boost public safety and improve the collection of intelligence.

He reiterated, “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.”

Additionally, the Conference assured Nigerians that the state assemblies would meticulously examine the proposed constitutional amendment once it is transmitted to them for ratification. “With the Bill now proceeding to the next legislative stage, the Conference assures Nigerians that State Assemblies will give it diligent consideration in line with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution. We will engage stakeholders, conduct public hearings where necessary, and deliberate dispassionately in the interest of national unity and the security of lives and property,” Guwor affirmed.

In related developments, a former lawmaker has lauded President Tinubu for his role in advancing state policing, dismissing concerns about potential misuse of power. Separately, a US lawmaker has suggested that state police could offer better protection for persecuted Nigerian Christians. The bill is now expected to be forwarded to state assemblies for their input.

The Speakers' Conference applauded the Senate for its decisive action in advancing the bill and called on all relevant parties to maintain a constructive and objective dialogue on the proposal. “The Conference commends the Senate for this bold step and urges all stakeholders to sustain the conversation with facts, patriotism, and a shared commitment to a safer Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

Furthermore, the state speakers committed to collaborating with the National Assembly, the executive branch, and other key stakeholders to ensure the successful amendment of the pertinent constitutional provisions.

This positive development follows the Senate's passage of the Constitution Alteration Bill on Wednesday, which seeks to establish state police across the federation. The bill's passage occurred after a comprehensive clause-by-clause review and secured the support of over two-thirds of senators through a manual voting process on the chamber floor.