- On February 15, the federal government set up a committee to explore the creation of state police, amid the spate of insecurity in the country.
- On February 20, a bill to establish state police passed second reading at the house of representatives.
The Speakers of the 36 Houses of Assembly have thrown their weight behind the establishment of state police to address the country’s security challenges.
They have urged the National Assembly to include the proposal in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, led by Chairman Adebo Ogundoyin, made this call in a communiqué issued after their meeting in Abuja.
They emphasized the need for state police to complement federal police efforts and improve security at the subnational level.
Additionally, the Speakers urged President Bola Tinubu to take measures to alleviate the current economic hardship faced by Nigerians, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic policies.
The communiqué was signed by Chairman Adebo Ogundoyin and emphasized the Speakers’ commitment to supporting measures that promote national security and economic development.
They also pledged their readiness to approve the a Bill on creation of State police if included as part of the constitution review.
The communique reads: “The Conference strongly advocates for state policing to check the negative trend of insecurity in our country.
“To achieve this, the Conference appeals to the National Assembly, Presidency and other relevant stakeholders to leverage on the ongoing constitution review exercise.”
The Conference of Speakers acknowledged the “courage of the President on his economic policies taken so far such as the removal of Petroleum product subsidy and the floating of the exchange rate.”
They added: “We therefore, urge the Federal Government and State Governments to initiate sustainable policies with equal measure of courage to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
“The Conference observed that in spite of the constitutional provisions that grant Financial Autonomy to the State Legislature, the implementation has been observed in breach.
“We therefore, call on all the relevant stakeholders to comply with all the provisions in the Constitution and not by breach.”
The state legislatures helmsmen also appealed to the warring parties in Rivers State politics terrain to sheath their sword.
“The Conference appeals to the relevant political leaders in Rivers State to explore peaceful means to resolve the near impasse situation between the Legislative and Executive Arms of government of the state,” they said.
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