

Recall that President Bola Tinubu and state governors have embarked on discussions to establish State Police. The initiative gained momentum with the introduction of a ‘Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Provide for the Establishment of State Police, and Related Matters’ currently under consideration in the House of Representatives.
However, the proposed bill has sparked controversy due to its implications for governance and security. While recent weeks have seen a surge in abductions, including schoolchildren in Borno, Kaduna, and Sokoto states, governors are increasingly vocal about the urgent need for enhanced security measures.
Unlike the President’s complete control over the Inspector General of the Federal Police, the bill curtails governors’ authority over State Police. If enacted, the bill would empower Commissioners of Police to challenge gubernatorial directives deemed unlawful. In such cases, the State Police Service Commission would intervene, with its decision deemed final.
The push for State Police comes in response to the worsening security situation, marked by the activities of kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists. Proponents argue that decentralizing police control would enable governors to address local security challenges effectively.
However, critics warn of potential abuses by partisan governors, who could exploit State Police for political purposes. Yet, proponents counter that similar politicization risks exist under the current centralized system, where a partisan President could deploy federal police against opponents.
Under the current Constitution, policing falls under the Exclusive List, controlled solely by the Federal Government. Proponents of State Police advocate for transferring policing to the Concurrent List to grant states more autonomy in security matters.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris confirmed discussions surrounding State Police, emphasizing the need for further deliberation on implementation. The bill, which passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, enjoys bipartisan support from lawmakers across the country.
Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of State Police alongside Federal Police, with defined roles and jurisdictions. It also outlines mechanisms for collaboration between federal and state authorities while ensuring accountability and adherence to policing standards.
Notably, the bill incorporates safeguards against unwarranted interference by federal authorities in state policing affairs. It proposes the creation of State Police Service Commissions to oversee state police forces, with the power to adjudicate disputes between governors and Commissioners of Police.
As Nigeria grapples with escalating security challenges, the debate over State Police underscores the nation’s quest for innovative solutions to safeguard its citizens. Amidst divergent opinions, the proposed bill represents a pivotal step towards addressing the complex security landscape and fostering safer communities nationwide.
