Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Labour Party commends the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for its courage, swiftness, and sense of patriotism in passing the State Police Bill recently transmitted to it by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This was contained in a statement signed by Ken Eluma Asogwa, National Publicity Secretary, Labour Party.
The statement reads: “For years, Nigerians across all regions have clamoured for a more effective and responsive policing architecture capable of addressing the growing and increasingly complex security challenges confronting the nation. The passage of this Bill, therefore, represents a significant step towards strengthening internal security and bringing law enforcement closer to the people.
“While the Party acknowledges the concerns expressed in certain quarters regarding the possibility of abuse of the state police system, especially in view of our experience with State Independent Electoral Commissions and allegations of undue interference by some state governors, the realities of contemporary Nigeria make a compelling case for a decentralised policing structure.
“The Labour Party is particularly encouraged by the constitutional safeguards embedded in the amendment Bill, especially the provisions contained in Section 17, which establish clear mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure accountability in the operation of state police. These safeguards, if faithfully implemented, should serve as effective checks against arbitrary control or misuse of the system by any state executive.
“The Party further notes that no policing model is perfect. However, given the evident limitations of the current centralised policing arrangement in adequately securing a vast and diverse country such as Nigeria, there is an urgent need to embrace innovative approaches and fresh ideas capable of improving security outcomes for citizens.
“As the Bill now awaits the concurrence of the State Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to the President for assent, the Labour Party calls on governors and state lawmakers across the 36 states of the federation to rise above partisan considerations and lend their support to this important constitutional reform in the overriding interest of national security and public safety.
“The Labour Party believes that with proper oversight, transparency and adherence to constitutional provisions, state policing can become a vital instrument for combating crime, enhancing community security and strengthening the federation, ” it also added.
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