We’ll Approve State Police Bill – Speakers

Benue, Plateau, Delta hail Senate’s passage of bill

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria has assured Nigerians that state assemblies will pass the State Police Bill.

Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria and Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Dennis Guwor, told LEADERSHIP Friday in an exclusive interview on Thursday that the Conference welcomed the passage of the bill by the Senate as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

The speakers assured Nigerians that State Assemblies would give the state police bill diligent consideration in line with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

According to him, the development marks a significant milestone in the national conversation on policing, security, and true federalism in Nigeria.

“As Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, we had earlier indicated our support for the proposed legislation because we believe that community-based policing, properly structured under law, will enhance safety and response time across our states.

“Security is local, and our people deserve policing architecture that understands their terrain and challenges.

“With the Bill now proceeding to the next legislative stage, the Conference assures Nigerians that State Assemblies will give it diligent consideration in line with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

“We will engage stakeholders, conduct public hearings where necessary, and deliberate dispassionately in the interest of national unity and the security of lives and property.

The Conference of Speakers commended the Senate for this bold step and urged all stakeholders to sustain the conversation with facts, patriotism, and a shared commitment to a safer Nigeria.

“We remain committed to working with the National Assembly, the Executive, and all arms of government to deliver a constitutional amendment that strengthens democracy and governance at all levels”, Guwor assured.

For the bill to become law, it must be passed in identical terms by both chambers of the National Assembly.

After that, it must be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly and approved by at least two-thirds (24) of them.

Once ratified by the states, the bill is sent to the President for assent to officially become part of the Nigerian Constitution.

Even after the constitutional amendment is signed, individual states must pass their own enabling state police laws to address recruitment, funding, and operational structures.

Benue, Plateau, Delta govts hail Senate over passage of bill

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has commended the National Assembly for passing the State Police Bill.

The governor gave the commendation in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, and made available to journalists in Makurdi on Thursday.

The governor described the bill’s passage as landmark legislation that seeks to establish a state police structure to operate concurrently with the existing federal police system in Nigeria.

According to the governor, “the passage of the bill is a courageous and timely step,” adding that he had always been a strong advocate of state policing as a necessary measure to strengthen the nation’s security architecture and enhance the protection of lives and property.

The governor said, “The House of Representatives had passed the law a few weeks ago, and the concurrence by the Senate a few days ago has confirmed the genuine intentions of national assembly members to address the problem of insecurity in the country.”

Alia further emphasised that a state policing system would work more closely with local communities, enabling faster responses to security threats due to a better understanding of local dynamics, cultures, and terrain.

The governor equally expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to reforming the country’s security architecture. This issue has remained a subject of national discourse for many years.

He assured the people of the state that his administration would continue to invest heavily in security and support every reform aimed at guaranteeing peace, safety, and prosperity for the people of Benue State and Nigerians at large.

Plateau Assembly: We’ll prioritise state  police bill

Similarly, the Lagos State House of Assembly has declared its readiness to provide legislative support for the creation of state police, saying the bill will be treated as a priority once presented to the House.

Speaker of the House, Naanlong Daniel, gave the assurance in Jos on Thursday during an advocacy visit by the Plateau State Advisory Committee on State Police, led by retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Habila Joshak.

“The Assembly believes state policing will contribute significantly to ending the prolonged insecurity affecting parts of Plateau State and other regions of the country,” Daniel said.

He stressed that lawmakers had long supported the idea and will, without hesitation, pass the bill.

“Lawmakers have consistently advocated for its establishment. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be commended for demonstrating commitment toward addressing insecurity and supporting reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture,” the Speaker stated.

Daniel assured the committee of “the legislature’s full cooperation and readiness to provide the necessary legislative support to ensure the success of the initiative.”

Earlier, the chairman of the committee had told the Assembly that Plateau’s “complex security challenges over the years” make state police “a vital step toward strengthening security management, improving intelligence gathering, and restoring public confidence in law enforcement.

He said the committee “is expected to serve as a reference point for other states across the federation as discussions on state policing continue nationwide.”

He noted that the role of the State Assembly in achieving the objective cannot be overstated, stressing that lawmakers will be instrumental in providing the legal backing and careful legislative planning required for the successful implementation of the initiative.

He urged members to support the process, emphasising that state police would help address security concerns within communities and complement existing security structures.

State Police, Evidence of Tinubu’s Commitment to Addressing Challenges – Delta Deputy Gov

Also hailing the passing of the state police legislation, the deputy governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, has said the efforts of President Tinubu towards the establishment of state policing are evidence of his commitment to addressing longstanding national challenges.

Onyeme made the commendation on Thursday when he received members of the City Boy Movement at his hometown, Ibabu, Onicha-Ukwuani, Ndokwa West local government area of the state.

He commended the City Boy Movement for its commitment to grassroots mobilisation and support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

While assuring the group’s members of continuous support from party leaders, he described the initiative as a timely and strategic platform designed to strengthen the party and deepen public support for government policies and programmes.

The deputy governor expressed appreciation for the group’s dedication and willingness to champion the party’s cause across Delta State.

Speaking at the event, the state coordinator of the City Boy Movement, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, expressed appreciation for the deputy governor’s continued support and commitment to the APC and the development of Delta State.

“We are here to fish for men for our President and for our party. Everyone here is already a supporter of Mr President, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the APC.

“Our mission is to reach those who are still sitting on the fence and convince them of the need to support the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.