The House of Representatives has reiterated its determination to pass the proposed State Police Bill on Thursday as part of efforts to address the country’s growing security challenges.
Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing members of the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja on behalf of the 37 caucus leaders in the Green Chamber.
Kalu said the constitutional amendment seeking the establishment of state police had become necessary in light of the rising cases of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.
According to him, the National Assembly has a responsibility not only to oversee security agencies but also to strengthen the nation’s security architecture through legislative interventions.
“When we say that the security of lives and property is the primary purpose of government, the legislature must also play its part. Beyond summoning service chiefs and relevant agencies, there is a need for us to deploy legislative tools to bridge the gaps in the nation’s security framework,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker revealed that extensive consultations had been conducted on the proposal, noting that the Inspector-General of Police, the executive arm of government and the 36 state governors had expressed support for the establishment of state police.
He argued that existing constitutional provisions, particularly Section 214 and related sections, do not adequately support the decentralised policing structure needed to improve security and ensure quicker responses to criminal incidents.
“We have discovered that leaving the law as it is will not give us the expected results Nigerians desire. Therefore, we have prioritised constitutional amendments aimed at unbundling security-related challenges through legislation targeting state policing,” he stated.
Kalu dismissed reports suggesting attempts to frustrate the bill, insisting that the House remained united in its resolve to ensure its passage.
“We are here to announce to Nigerians that hope is coming. Hope for better response time to incidents of crime is here. By tomorrow, we will be voting on the constitutional amendment and we are prioritising state police.
“We have read reports that some people are trying to stop it, but the Parliament is marching forward and by tomorrow we will be concluding on this. There is nobody stopping us from moving ahead with state police,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker expressed confidence that the amendment would secure swift ratification by state Houses of Assembly after its passage by the National Assembly, citing the support of governors across the federation.
“We are hopeful that after the exercise tomorrow, the amendment will be transmitted to the states and, judging by the body language of the 36 governors who support state police, they will work with their Houses of Assembly to ensure quick ratification before it is transmitted to Mr. President for assent,” he added.
Kalu also urged lawmakers currently engaged in oversight assignments nationwide to return to Abuja ahead of Thursday’s plenary, describing the matter as urgent and of national importance.
“We want all members to be in the chamber tomorrow to demonstrate to Nigerians that security remains a top priority on our agenda and that the House stands firmly behind the establishment of state police,” he said.
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