Labour Party Welcomes Senate’s Passage of State Police Bill
The Labour Party has commended the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for the passage of the State Police Bill recently transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the development as a bold step toward strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, praised the Senate for what he described as courage, patriotism, and swift legislative action in advancing the bill.
According to the party, Nigerians across all regions have for years demanded a more effective and responsive policing framework capable of addressing the growing and increasingly complex security challenges facing the country.
The party noted that the passage of the bill marks a significant milestone in efforts to improve internal security by decentralising law enforcement and bringing policing closer to the people.
While acknowledging concerns in some quarters over the possibility of abuse of the proposed state police structure, particularly given past allegations of interference in State Independent Electoral Commissions by some governors, the Labour Party maintained that current realities make a strong case for decentralised policing.
The party said it was particularly encouraged by the constitutional safeguards embedded in the amendment bill, especially provisions in Section 17, which establish mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure accountability in the operation of state police.
It stated that these safeguards, if faithfully implemented, would serve as effective checks against arbitrary control or misuse of the system by state executives.
The Labour Party further stressed that no policing model is perfect, but argued that the limitations of the current centralised policing structure have become increasingly evident in a vast and diverse country like Nigeria.
It added that there is an urgent need to adopt innovative approaches and fresh ideas capable of improving security outcomes for citizens.
As the bill awaits concurrence by State Houses of Assembly before transmission to the President for assent, the party called on governors and state lawmakers across the 36 states to rise above partisan interests and support the constitutional reform in the overriding interest of national security and public safety.
The party expressed confidence that with proper oversight, transparency, and strict adherence to constitutional provisions, state policing could become a vital tool for combating crime, improving community security, and strengthening the Nigerian federation.
The Labour Party has commended the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for the passage of the State Police Bill recently transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the development as a bold step toward strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, praised the Senate for what he described as courage, patriotism, and swift legislative action in advancing the bill.
According to the party, Nigerians across all regions have for years demanded a more effective and responsive policing framework capable of addressing the growing and increasingly complex security challenges facing the country.
The party noted that the passage of the bill marks a significant milestone in efforts to improve internal security by decentralising law enforcement and bringing policing closer to the people.
While acknowledging concerns in some quarters over the possibility of abuse of the proposed state police structure, particularly given past allegations of interference in State Independent Electoral Commissions by some governors, the Labour Party maintained that current realities make a strong case for decentralised policing.
The party said it was particularly encouraged by the constitutional safeguards embedded in the amendment bill, especially provisions in Section 17, which establish mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure accountability in the operation of state police.
It stated that these safeguards, if faithfully implemented, would serve as effective checks against arbitrary control or misuse of the system by state executives.
The Labour Party further stressed that no policing model is perfect, but argued that the limitations of the current centralised policing structure have become increasingly evident in a vast and diverse country like Nigeria.
It added that there is an urgent need to adopt innovative approaches and fresh ideas capable of improving security outcomes for citizens.
As the bill awaits concurrence by State Houses of Assembly before transmission to the President for assent, the party called on governors and state lawmakers across the 36 states to rise above partisan interests and support the constitutional reform in the overriding interest of national security and public safety.
The party expressed confidence that with proper oversight, transparency, and strict adherence to constitutional provisions, state policing could become a vital tool for combating crime, improving community security, and strengthening the Nigerian federation.
