In attendance for discussions on state policing are Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, former military Head of State, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, and retired Catholic Archbishop John Onaiyekan.
The ongoing dialogue, facilitated by the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, marks the commencement of talks on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (alteration) Bill 2023 (Establishment of State Police). This bill is backed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and 13 others.
The primary objective of the bill is to enhance public safety and reinforce law enforcement in Nigeria through the decentralization of the police force.
Outlined in the bill is a provision for the co-existence of state police alongside federal police, as well as a constitutional framework for states opting to establish and manage their own police force.
In his clarification, Kalu, chair of the House Constitution Review Committee, stated that the bill seeks to define the powers and duties of federal and state police, in addition to addressing their funding and oversight.
Further updates to follow soon…