Attending a national dialogue on state policing in Abuja on Monday are Former Military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), and ex-President, Goodluck Jonathan.
Among the notable personalities present at the event is retired Catholic Archbishop, John Onaiyekan.
The purpose of the dialogue is to kickstart discussions on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (alteration) bill 2023 (Establishment of State Police), which is sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and 13 others.
The bill aims to enhance public safety and bolster law enforcement in Nigeria through the decentralization of the police force. It proposes the establishment of state police alongside the federal police, and it lays out a constitutional framework for states that opt to have their own police force.
During his opening speech, Kalu, who heads the House Constitution Review Committee, highlighted that the bill seeks to define the powers and responsibilities of the federal and state police clearly, while also addressing matters of funding and oversight.