APC Speakers Forum commends Senate over passage of State Police Bill

The Forum of Progressive Speakers of State Legislatures under the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the passage of the State Police Bill by the Senate, describing it as a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen internal security and enhance community-based policing.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the forum, led by the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin.

He said the legislation represents a historic shift in the country’s security architecture and would empower states to respond more effectively to security challenges.

Dangyatin said the enactment of the bill was a victory for effective governance and grassroots security management.

According to him, the long-standing demand for a policing structure that understands local realities and peculiar security concerns has finally received legislative backing.

“The passage of this bill is a resounding victory for effective governance and community-focused policing. For years, the clamour for a security structure that understands the local terrain has been loud.

“With this enactment, we are empowering states to better protect their people, respond swiftly to security threats, and foster closer collaboration between citizens and law enforcement,” he said.

The forum pledged its full support for the successful implementation of the new law, assuring Nigerians that APC-controlled State Houses of Assembly would expedite the ratification process and establish legal frameworks suited to the security needs of their respective states.

It also promised to put in place effective oversight mechanisms to ensure that state police operations adhere to the principles of professionalism, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Furthermore, the forum said it would collaborate closely with state governments to guarantee adequate funding for the recruitment, training, equipment and welfare of state police personnel.

The speakers expressed appreciation to the leadership of the National Assembly, the executive arm of government, and other stakeholders who contributed to the passage of the bill.

They expressed confidence that the introduction of state police would help curb crime, improve public safety and create an enabling environment for economic growth and development across the country.