Nigeria: All 36 States Back State Police, Speedy Approval Expected, Says Governor Oyebanji

Nigerian states are poised to swiftly approve the creation of state police, with Governor Biodun Oyebanji assuring that all 36 states are in full support. Speaking after receiving his certificate of return for a second term, Oyebanji expressed readiness for implementation, noting that the National Economic Council has already deliberated and most states have submitted their positions in favor.

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We are ready for state police. We are thankful to the National Assembly for the constitutional amendments, and we are waiting for them to be transmitted to the state Houses of Assembly.

The governor highlighted that the National Assembly is working on constitutional amendments, and once transmitted, state Houses of Assembly will give speedy approval. This move is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the nation's security challenges.

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The governors have made up their minds that they are going to give it speedy approval so that we can start implementation.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized that state police is a "child of necessity," transcending political interests and becoming a practical response to the country's security situation. He assured that the National Assembly is establishing constitutional and legal safeguards to prevent potential abuse by state governors, acknowledging these fears as legitimate.

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It is important that we all know that state police is a child of necessity. It is no longer about political interests or politics. All of us are on the same page that there is a need for this.

Bamidele explained that the proposed legal framework will include mechanisms to minimize instances of abuse. While governors currently have some influence over federal police deployment, the new structure aims to significantly reduce opportunities for misuse, ensuring the state police serves its intended purpose effectively.

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There will always be fears and concerns. Whether those concerns are well-founded is another issue altogether, but we are not unmindful of them. In most cases, they are legitimate concerns.