ASABA/Nigeria: The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria has welcomed the passage of the State Police Bill for second reading in the Senate, describing the development as a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional amendment process and the quest for a more effective, responsive and decentralised policing system.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, the Conference said the advancement of the bill represents a significant step towards addressing the country’s security challenges through a policing architecture that is more responsive to the peculiar needs of states and local communities.
The Conference reiterated its earlier support for the proposed legislation, maintaining that community-based policing, when properly structured within the framework of the law, would significantly improve public safety, strengthen intelligence gathering and ensure quicker responses to security threats across the federation.
According to the statement, the nation’s security challenges require solutions that recognise the unique social, cultural and geographical realities of individual states, stressing that policing is most effective when security personnel possess a deep understanding of the communities they serve.
“Security is local, and our people deserve a policing architecture that understands their terrain and challenges,” the Conference stated.
The Speakers assured Nigerians that once the proposed legislation completes its passage at the National Assembly and is transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly in line with the constitutional amendment process, the legislatures across the 36 states would subject the bill to thorough, transparent and objective consideration as required under Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution.
The Conference said the State Assemblies would engage relevant stakeholders, organise public hearings where necessary and undertake diligent legislative scrutiny to ensure that any constitutional amendment reflects the aspirations of Nigerians while strengthening national unity and protecting lives and property.
While commending the Senate for advancing the bill, the Conference described its passage for second reading as a bold and commendable step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and deepening true federalism.
It also urged Nigerians, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, professional bodies and other stakeholders to sustain constructive engagement on the proposed legislation, stressing that the debate should be driven by facts, patriotism and the collective determination to build a safer and more secure nation.
The Conference reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the National Assembly, the Executive and other arms of government to ensure the successful conclusion of constitutional amendments that will strengthen democratic governance, promote effective federalism and improve service delivery across the country.
