State police constitutional process begins as 36 Speakers declare support
The Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly have thrown their weight behind the proposed establishment of state police, marking a significant milestone as the constitutional amendment process enters its final stage.
The endorsement followed consultations among state legislatures and key stakeholders on reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. The Speakers said the growing security challenges facing different parts of the country have highlighted the need for a policing system that is more responsive to local realities and community needs.
According to the lawmakers, the creation of state police would improve intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response to criminal activities, and strengthen collaboration between security agencies and local communities. They argued that governors and state authorities are better positioned to understand the security concerns affecting their respective states and should therefore play a greater role in policing.
The Speakers also emphasized that appropriate constitutional safeguards would be necessary to prevent abuse of the proposed system. They maintained that issues relating to operational independence, funding, recruitment, training, and oversight must be clearly addressed before the reform is fully implemented.
The proposal has remained one of the most widely debated constitutional reform issues in recent years, attracting support from several governors, traditional rulers, security experts, and civil society groups. Supporters believe decentralizing policing would help tackle kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, communal violence, and other security threats more effectively.
However, some political leaders and legal experts have continued to express reservations, warning that state police could be vulnerable to political interference if adequate legal protections are not established. They have called for strong accountability mechanisms to ensure professionalism and protect the rights of citizens.
The constitutional amendment will now proceed through the remaining legislative stages, where lawmakers at both the federal and state levels are expected to consider the final provisions before any changes become part of the Constitution. The support of the 36 State Assembly Speakers is expected to strengthen momentum for the proposed reform.
Political analysts say the outcome of the amendment process could reshape Nigeria’s security framework and significantly influence how law enforcement responsibilities are shared between the federal and state governments. As deliberations continue, many Nigerians are closely watching developments, hoping the reforms will contribute to improved public safety, stronger community policing, and a more effective response to the country’s evolving security challenges.
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