LP backs state police bill, urges govs to support reform

The Labour Party has thrown its weight behind the proposed establishment of state police, commending the Senate for passing the Constitution Alteration Bill and urging governors and state Houses of Assembly across the country to support the reform.

The party described the passage of the bill as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to tackle growing security challenges and bring policing closer to local communities.

In a statement issued on Thursday, LP National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, praised the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for what it called its courage and patriotism in advancing the legislation.

“The Labour Party commends the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for its courage, swiftness and sense of patriotism in passing the State Police Bill recently transmitted to it by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Asogwa said.

The party noted that for years, Nigerians across different regions had demanded a more responsive and effective policing structure capable of addressing the country’s worsening security situation.

He said, “For years, Nigerians across all regions have clamoured for a more effective and responsive policing architecture capable of addressing the growing and increasingly complex security challenges confronting the nation.

“The passage of this Bill therefore represents a significant step towards strengthening internal security and bringing law enforcement closer to the people.”

The LP acknowledged concerns raised by critics over the possibility of governors abusing state police structures for political purposes.

However, Asogwa argued that the country’s security realities make a strong case for decentralising policing powers.

“While the Party acknowledges the concerns expressed in certain quarters regarding the possibility of abuse of the state police system, especially in view of our experience with State Independent Electoral Commissions and allegations of undue interference by some state governors, the realities of contemporary Nigeria make a compelling case for a decentralised policing structure,” he stated.

According to him, the constitutional safeguards embedded in the amendment bill are sufficient to check potential abuses and ensure accountability.

The party spokesman further argued that no policing arrangement is without its shortcomings, but maintained that the limitations of the current centralised system necessitate new approaches to security management.

He said, “The Labour Party is particularly encouraged by the constitutional safeguards embedded in the amendment Bill, especially the provisions contained in Section 17, which establish clear mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure accountability in the operation of state police.

“These safeguards, if faithfully implemented, should serve as effective checks against arbitrary control or misuse of the system by any state executive.”

“The Party further notes that no policing model is perfect. However, given the evident limitations of the current centralised policing arrangement in adequately securing a vast and diverse country such as Nigeria, there is an urgent need to embrace innovative approaches and fresh ideas capable of improving security outcomes for citizens.”

The Labour Party called on governors and members of state Houses of Assembly to put national interest above partisan considerations and support the amendment as it moves to the next stage of the constitutional review process.

“As the bill now awaits the concurrence of the State Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to the President for assent, the Labour Party calls on governors and state lawmakers across the 36 states of the federation to rise above partisan considerations and lend their support to this important constitutional reform in the overriding interest of national security and public safety.

“We believe that with proper oversight, transparency and adherence to constitutional provisions, state policing can become a vital instrument for combating crime, enhancing community security and strengthening the federation,” Asogwa noted.

The Senate on Wednesday passed the landmark Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police across the federation, marking a major step in Nigeria’s decades-long debate over decentralising the country’s policing structure to address worsening insecurity.

The bill was approved after a clause-by-clause consideration during plenary and secured the support of more than two-thirds of senators through a manual voting process.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the passage of the legislation after lawmakers overwhelmingly backed the proposal following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

Under the proposed amendment, state governments would be empowered to establish and maintain police services within their jurisdictions, while the Nigeria Police Force would retain responsibility for national security matters, including terrorism, border protection and other federal offences.

The bill must still secure the approval of at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent and eventual implementation.