The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, highlighted the inadequacy of Nigeria’s police force, currently estimated at about 400,000 officers, to effectively safeguard over 200 million citizens. This concern was voiced during a visit from the association of Clerks of State Houses of Assembly, where Abbas, through Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, underscored the necessity of instituting state police as a means to enhance internal security by leveraging the local knowledge of the officers.
Abbas advocated for state policing by drawing parallels with legislative amendments undertaken by the 9th National Assembly regarding railways and power, to grant states certain constitutional rights. He articulated, “On other key nationally important matters like state police, for example, the House recognizes the diverse perspectives and needs across different states. We believe that through constructive dialogue and a willingness to find common ground, we can arrive at solutions that truly serve the best interests of all Nigerians.”
The Speaker addressed the limitations of a centralized police system and championed the idea of community-based policing. He illustrated his point by describing the inefficiency of a policeman, unfamiliar with the local environment and culture, compared to the effectiveness of a local officer. Abbas also cautioned against the emergence of unauthorized vigilante groups if state policing is not properly executed, suggesting this could exacerbate security issues.
Furthermore, Tajudeen Abbas emphasized the importance of collaboration between the National Parliament and State Assemblies in the constitutional amendment process, asserting the necessity of combined efforts for meaningful reforms. He stated, “The House of Representatives recognizes the crucial role State Assemblies play in shaping the fabric of our nation. We understand that effective governance in a federal system like ours requires inter-governmental collaboration and synergy between the government at the center and the federating units.”
Rukaiyatu Adamu Jalo, leading the delegation, outlined their objectives to foster cooperation with the House, expressed gratitude for the passage of the autonomy bill for state legislature and judiciary, and sought insights into the national parliament’s legislative practices. Adamu also appealed to the House leadership to work with the Forum of State Speakers to ensure the act’s implementation across states, highlighting existing challenges.