The Labour Party says the passage of the State Police Bill by the Senate marks a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges and strengthening law enforcement across the country.
This is contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, in Abuja.
The statement states that the proposed legislation reflects years of calls by Nigerians for a more responsive and community-based policing system capable of tackling the nation’s evolving security threats.
It notes that a decentralised policing structure has become necessary given the limitations of the current centralised system in effectively securing a vast and diverse country like Nigeria.
The statement while acknowledging concerns in some quarters over the possibility of abuse by state governments, says such fears should not outweigh the urgent need for security reforms aimed at improving public safety.
According to the statement, constitutional safeguards contained in the amendment bill, particularly provisions designed to ensure accountability and prevent arbitrary control of state police structures, provide adequate checks against potential misuse.
“The Labour Party is particularly encouraged by the safeguards embedded in Section 17 of the bill, which establish clear mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure accountability in the operation of state police,” he states.
The statement stresses that no policing model is perfect but maintained that Nigeria must embrace innovative approaches capable of improving security outcomes and bringing law enforcement closer to the people.
It further argues
that effective policing requires greater local participation and a structure that can respond more swiftly to security threats within communities.
The statement calls on governors and state lawmakers across the 36 states to support the constitutional amendment in the overriding interest of national security.
It expresses confidence that with proper oversight, transparency and strict adherence to constitutional provisions, state policing would become a vital instrument for combating crime, enhancing community security and strengthening the Nigerian federation.
