LP backs state police bill, urges govs to support reform

Nigeria's Labour Party (LP) has endorsed the establishment of state police, praising the Senate for passing the Constitution Alteration Bill and calling on governors and state Houses of Assembly to support the reform. The party views the bill's passage as a significant milestone in Nigeria's efforts to combat escalating security issues and decentralize law enforcement closer to local populations.

“

The Labour Party commends the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for its courage, swiftness and sense of patriotism in passing the State Police Bill recently transmitted to it by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement, LP National Publicity Secretary Ken Asogwa commended the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for its "courage, swiftness and sense of patriotism." He noted that Nigerians have long demanded a more effective and responsive policing structure to address the nation's complex security challenges. The party believes the bill's passage is a vital step toward strengthening internal security and enhancing community policing.

“

For years, Nigerians across all regions have clamoured for a more effective and responsive policing architecture capable of addressing the growing and increasingly complex security challenges confronting the nation.

Asogwa acknowledged criticisms regarding the potential for governors to misuse state police for political ends, citing experiences with State Independent Electoral Commissions. However, he argued that Nigeria's current security realities necessitate a decentralized policing structure. The LP is particularly encouraged by the constitutional safeguards within the amendment bill, such as those in Section 17, which aim to prevent abuse and ensure accountability. The party maintains that while no policing arrangement is perfect, the limitations of the current centralized system warrant exploring new security management approaches.

“

While the Party acknowledges the concerns expressed in certain quarters regarding the possibility of abuse of the state police system, especially in view of our experience with State Independent Electoral Commissions and allegations of undue interference by some state governors, the realities of contemporary Nigeria make a compelling case for a decentralised policing structure.