State Police: Lagos Assembly backs states’ control of police services

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have endorsed the creation of state police forces, asserting that states must maintain complete authority over their police services to effectively tackle Nigeria's security issues.

During a plenary session, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa praised President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for advancing the Constitution Alteration Bill on state police, labeling it a vital reform. However, Obasa stressed the need for clearer constitutional guidelines regarding federal government intervention in state police operations. He suggested that state governors should appoint State Police Commissioners, subject to confirmation by their respective State Houses of Assembly, and that senior police officers should also undergo legislative vetting.

"States should retain full authority over the administration of their police services, including recruitment, appointments and operational matters. The solution is to enact strong laws that guarantee accountability and prevent abuse, rather than reject the establishment of state police," Obasa stated. The Assembly dismissed concerns about the potential politicization of state police, noting that similar criticisms have been leveled against the current centralized policing system.

Earlier, Stephen Ogundipe, representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I, introduced a motion supporting state police, highlighting the bill's approval at the National Assembly. The lawmakers collectively urged the 36 State Houses of Assembly to hasten their review of the bill, anticipating that state police would serve as a valuable addition to the Nigeria Police Force and bolster community policing nationwide.

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States should retain full authority over the administration of their police services, including recruitment, appointments and operational matters. The solution is to enact strong laws that guarantee accountability and prevent abuse, rather than reject the establishment of state police.