Labour Party Supports State Police Bill and Urges Governors to Back Reform

The Labour Party is in full support of the plan to create state police. They praised the Senate for passing the Constitution Alteration Bill and urged governors and state Houses of Assembly across Nigeria to back this reform.

The party sees the passage of the bill as a crucial step in Nigeria’s fight against rising security issues. They believe it will help bring policing closer to the communities.

In a statement on Thursday, LP National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, commended the National Assembly, especially the Senate, for their bravery and dedication in moving the legislation forward.

“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,” Asogwa stated.

The party pointed out that for many years, people in different parts of Nigeria have called for a more effective and responsive police system that can tackle the country’s growing security issues.

He said, “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.”

The LP also recognized the worries raised by some critics about governors misusing state police for political gain. However, Asogwa insisted that the current security situation in Nigeria makes a strong case for allowing police powers to be decentralised.

“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,” he explained.

According to him, the safeguards included in the amendment bill are enough to prevent misuse and ensure accountability. The party spokesman added that no policing system is without problems, but the current centralised approach needs new solutions to manage security.

He said, “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.”

The Labour Party called on governors and members of state Houses of Assembly to prioritize national interest over political party lines and support the amendment as it moves to the next stage of the constitutional review process.

“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.

“We believe 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,” Asogwa noted.

The Senate passed the significant Constitution Alteration Bill on Wednesday, which seeks to create state police across Nigeria. This is a big move in the long-running discussion about decentralising Nigeria’s police system to deal with increasing insecurity.

The bill was approved after careful examination during a plenary session and received support from more than two-thirds of senators through a manual voting process.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the bill's passage after lawmakers showed overwhelming support following a report from the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

Under the new amendment, state governments will have the power to set up and manage police services in their areas, while the Nigeria Police Force will keep the responsibility for national security issues, including terrorism, border protection and other federal crimes.

The bill still needs approval from at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before it can be sent to President Bola Tinubu for final approval and implementation.