Metuh Applauds Tinubu's Bold Move on State Police Bill Passage

Olisa Metuh, the Director of Mobilisation and Enlightenment for the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, has extended commendation to President Bola Tinubu for his pivotal role in advocating for the proposed establishment of state police. Metuh lauded this initiative as a landmark achievement within Nigeria's ongoing security reform efforts.

In a statement released on Thursday, Metuh, a former National Publicity Secretary for the Peoples Democratic Party who later joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, highlighted the successful passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly. He described this legislative milestone as a crucial turning point in the nation's strategy to combat escalating insecurity through a decentralised policing system. According to him, this legislation represents "one of the most significant accomplishments of the Tinubu administration."

Metuh specifically congratulated the President, stating, "I wish to heartily congratulate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the landmark passage of the State Police Bill, a development that stands out as one of the most significant achievements of the present administration." He further praised President Tinubu for demonstrating "courage, foresight, and statesmanship by championing a reform that successive administrations were unable to accomplish despite widespread public support. This achievement will undoubtedly occupy a prominent place in the annals of Nigeria’s democratic and security history."

He outlined several anticipated benefits of establishing state police, including improved community policing, enhanced intelligence gathering, and quicker responses to security threats. Metuh also believes it will significantly strengthen the fight against violent crimes like kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism, while simultaneously fostering job creation and economic growth.

Metuh urged state governors across the federation to collaborate closely with the Federal Government to ensure the successful implementation of this proposed security overhaul. "While celebrating this milestone, I call on state governors across the federation to work closely with President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to ensure the successful implementation of this reform. The primary objective must be the protection of citizens and the preservation of law and order," he stated.

Additionally, Metuh called upon the National Assembly, state governments, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and other key stakeholders to establish robust safeguards. These measures, he emphasised, are crucial to prevent any potential abuse of state police powers. He unequivocally declared, "State police must never become instruments of political intimidation or oppression. Instead, they must operate professionally, independently, and in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law."

Concluding his remarks, Metuh appealed to all parties involved to prioritise national interest over partisan considerations. He expressed strong confidence that the effective execution of this initiative would substantially strengthen grassroots policing and enhance internal security nationwide. "If properly implemented, state police will significantly enhance internal security, strengthen grassroots policing, and contribute to a safer and more prosperous Nigeria," he added.

PUNCH Online reports that the State Police Bill has indeed been successfully passed by the National Assembly. This constitutional amendment has garnered support from various entities, including speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, state governors, the Labour Party, and the Forum of APC Speakers. If officially enacted, this landmark legislation will empower states to establish and manage their own police forces, aiming to address the limitations of the current centralised policing system and improve overall internal security across the federation.