The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, announced on Friday that both chambers of the National Assembly are prepared to amend the nation’s constitution to include state police if decentralizing the country’s security architecture could effectively address issues like kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, and other crimes. Adaramodu made this statement while addressing journalists in Abuja.
This announcement comes after President Bola Tinubu and state governors met to consider the possibility of setting up state police, despite the current constitutional provision placing policing under the exclusive legislative list.
Adaramodu emphasized that the constitution review committees of the Senate would soon be inaugurated to amend certain aspects of the nation’s laws. He stressed that the Senate was committed to legislating in accordance with the desires and aspirations of Nigerians, ensuring that laws reflect the will of the people.
Regarding the proposal for a parliamentary system of government, Adaramodu stated that the National Assembly would consider the sentiments of Nigerians before legislating on the matter. He explained that bills and motions would be subject to rigorous legislative processes before becoming law.
In response to these proposals, security experts, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and Nigerian Federalists have commended President Tinubu and the state governors for considering legislation to create state police. They argue that establishing state police forces would address the dysfunctionalities in Nigeria’s security architecture and help combat crime more effectively at the grassroots level.
However, concerns have been raised about the potential for abuse of power with the establishment of state police. Critics warn that any system, including state police, is susceptible to abuse, highlighting the need for careful consideration and oversight to prevent such abuses from occurring.