Security expert Orji says the Senate’s recent action on the State Police bill brings renewed attention to the years of work by Senator Ike Ekweremadu, whose persistent advocacy helped keep the idea alive in committee rooms, on the Senate floor, and in public debate. Rather than a sudden conversion, Orji argues, the reform is the product of sustained legislative stewardship and careful drafting that laid the groundwork for today’s vote.

Orji emphasized that Ekweremadu’s efforts transformed State Police from a policy proposal into a parliamentary project by creating draft amendment language, convening hearings, and building the public record that later lawmakers refined. The expert called on all stakeholders to honor that legislative lineage by ensuring implementation is transparent, accountable, and focused on protecting every community.

Ekweremadu first introduced the idea during the 2012 constitutional review process. In 2018, as Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, he sponsored the Constitution Alteration Bill to establish State and Community Police.

Speaking at the time, he framed the issue as a fundamental test of Nigeria’s federal structure: “The centre can no longer monopolise security while communities continue to bleed.”

The bill passed first reading on July 13, 2018, with the support of 75 co-sponsoring senators. Following widespread insecurity across several states, Ekweremadu pushed the Senate to direct his committee to prepare the necessary constitutional amendments.

The June 2026 passage of the bill is being viewed as the successful culmination of a reform effort that spanned more than a decade.

Security expert Orji hailed the development, saying: “Senator Ekweremadu’s sustained advocacy has finally been vindicated. This is not just legislative success — it is a political victory for federalism and for millions of citizens who have long demanded security where they live.”

However, experts caution that the real work begins now. Proper implementation will require transparent funding structures, rigorous recruitment and training standards, and strong independent oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse or politicisation.

Senator Ekweremadu’s sustained advocacy is being regarded as one of his most significant contributions to Nigeria’s evolving security framework — a shift from debating whether State Police is necessary to focusing on how it can be structured to serve the country effectively.