By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Former member of the House of Representatives and immediate past Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Kayode Oladele, has described the passage of the Constitution Alteration Bill on State Police by the National Assembly as a timely and far-reaching constitutional response to Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.

Oladele said the proposed legislation presents a historic opportunity to strengthen the nation’s internal security architecture while reinforcing the constitutional principles of federalism.

The former federal lawmaker, who stated this in an interview, noted that although the bill marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s constitutional evolution.

According to him, the country’s security situation has exposed the limitations of a highly centralised policing system, making institutional reforms that bring law enforcement closer to the people both necessary and inevitable.

“There can be no meaningful development without security. Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution clearly provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. The increasing incidence of terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry, communal conflicts, farmer-herder clashes and other violent crimes has demonstrated that the existing policing structure requires urgent constitutional review,” Oladele said.

He commended officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for their commitment and sacrifices despite enormous operational challenges, stressing that the campaign for state police should not be misconstrued as a criticism of the institution.

Rather, he said, it reflects the need to modernise Nigeria’s security framework to effectively address emerging threats.

“No single centrally controlled police force can effectively police a country as large and diverse as Nigeria. The proposal should be viewed as a constitutional response to contemporary security realities rather than a political concession. Federalism requires the meaningful devolution of governmental responsibilities in a manner that promotes efficiency, accountability and responsiveness,” he stated.»

Oladele explained that the Constitution Alteration Bill proposes a dual policing structure comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services, noting that the legislation does not compel every state to establish its own police organisation.

He said states intending to establish State Police Services would be required to enact enabling laws while complying with nationally prescribed standards on recruitment, training, discipline, operations and accountability.

Addressing concerns over the possible abuse of State Police by governors, the former lawmaker argued that such fears should not derail a constitutional reform that has become imperative.

According to him, the bill contains safeguards against abuse, including legislative oversight, nationally prescribed policing standards and provisions for federal intervention under clearly defined exceptional circumstances.

“No constitutional arrangement is entirely immune from abuse. What is required is the strengthening of democratic institutions, judicial independence, legislative oversight and strict adherence to the rule of law,” he added.

Oladele also urged state governments to realistically assess their financial capacity before establishing police services, noting that effective policing demands sustained investment in personnel, intelligence gathering, training, equipment and technology.

He further called on members of the State Houses of Assembly to consider the constitutional amendment objectively when it is transmitted to them for ratification.

According to him, lawmakers should place the security of Nigerians and the long-term stability of the country’s democratic institutions above partisan political considerations.

While expressing optimism that the proposed amendment would produce a policing system that is more responsive to local realities and more accountable to the people, Oladele cautioned that State Police alone would not end insecurity.

He maintained that judicial reforms, improved intelligence gathering, enhanced welfare for security personnel and stronger inter-agency collaboration remain essential components of a comprehensive strategy to address Nigeria’s security challenges.