By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The Parliament Support Network (PSN) has commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and members of the 10th House for passing the constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across the country, describing the move as a landmark step towards tackling Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

The group said the passage of the bill represents a historic milestone in efforts to reform the nation’s security architecture and improve the protection of lives and property.

The House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly approved the State Police Bill, with 288 lawmakers voting in support and only four voting against it. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create a legal framework for the establishment of state police alongside the existing federal police system.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued in Abuja, Executive Director of the Parliament Support Network, Dr. Moses Onoja, praised lawmakers for demonstrating courage and patriotism by advancing a reform that many Nigerians have long advocated.

According to him, the decision reflects the commitment of the Speaker and members of the House to finding lasting solutions to the country’s growing insecurity.

“The passage of the State Police Bill is a landmark achievement that underscores the responsiveness of the 10th House of Representatives to the yearnings of Nigerians. It is a bold and visionary step towards strengthening security governance and improving public safety across the federation,” Onoja said.

He noted that Nigeria’s centralized policing system has come under increasing pressure in recent years amid rising incidents of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and other violent crimes across different parts of the country.

Onoja argued that the establishment of state police would enhance intelligence gathering, improve rapid response to security threats and enable law enforcement agencies to better understand local communities and their peculiar security challenges.

The PSN executive director particularly commended Speaker Abbas for providing leadership throughout the constitutional amendment process and creating an atmosphere that enabled lawmakers to deliberate on critical national issues.

“The Speaker has shown exemplary leadership in driving reforms that have direct relevance to the security and welfare of Nigerians. The House deserves commendation for placing national interest above partisan considerations in the consideration of this important bill,” he stated.

He also acknowledged the extensive consultations, stakeholder engagements and public hearings conducted by the House Committee on Constitution Review before the passage of the bill.

Onoja urged the Senate, state Houses of Assembly and other stakeholders to support the proposal to ensure its eventual incorporation into the Constitution.

Under the proposed amendment, states would be empowered to establish and operate their own police services subject to national standards and oversight mechanisms. However, the bill must still secure concurrence from the Senate and gain approval from at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted to the President for assent.

Expressing confidence in the reform, Onoja said state policing would strengthen grassroots security, deepen federalism and significantly enhance the country’s capacity to combat insecurity.
He called on Nigerians to support the initiative, stressing that the country’s security challenges require innovative and decentralized solutions.

“The establishment of state police will not solve every security problem overnight, but it represents a major structural reform that can significantly improve the country’s capacity to prevent and respond to crime. This is a legacy initiative that deserves the support of all well-meaning Nigerians,” he added.