Emphasizing the significance of state police as a crucial element of restructuring, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has once again urged the National Assembly to accelerate the process of enacting laws concerning state police.
Adams reacted to a statement made by Francis Waive, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Rules and Business, regarding the timeframe for addressing state police and other constitutional reforms related to amending the Nigeria Police Act. Waive indicated that incorporating state police in the legal framework might take up to two years.
Expressing deep concern about the prevailing insecurity in the country, Adams highlighted the urgency of addressing security challenges as a top priority for any government.
During an interview with NewsNow about the police bill, Waive explained that due to its constitutional nature, specifying a timeline for passing the state police bill could be challenging. He mentioned that the Constitution Review Committee had laid out a two-year plan of action.
Waive stated, “The matter of state police is a constitutional issue. Once the bill undergoes the second reading, it is referred to the Constitution Review Committee along with other constitutional amendment proposals. The committee has outlined a comprehensive two-year schedule.
“The entire process of amending the constitution is set to span two years, commencing from January 2024 until December 2025.”
Responding to this, Gani Adams, through a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, asserted that the escalating insecurity demanded swift action and that the integration of state police was imperative in the restructuring agenda.
Adams remarked, “The establishment of state police in Nigeria should not be delayed indefinitely. It is a critical aspect of the restructuring process.
“Given the increasing challenges of insecurity, waiting for two years to enact such legislation is unreasonable in my view. The timeline set in the constitution’s framework is too extended for the current situation, especially in addressing emergencies.”
He raised concerns about the escalating loss of lives and property due to ongoing insecurity across the nation within a two-year timeframe.
“Regions like Kastina, Zamfara, Borno, Benue, Plateau, and the North as a whole continue to face unrest. In the South-West, recent tragic incidents and rising abduction cases underscore the gravity of the situation. Insecurity has disrupted daily life in Lagos and other parts of the South.
“The urgency of the matter can’t be overstated. I strongly disagree with a two-year timeline; it is excessive, particularly during a crisis period,” he added.
Adams urged the legislators involved in passing the state police bill to prioritize the safety of citizens over political considerations.
“The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, and his colleagues need to fulfill their responsibilities as representatives of the people in ensuring prompt legislative action.”