The Senate remains divided on the proposal to incorporate state police into the Nigerian constitution, a contentious topic that elicited differing views during a retreat hosted by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in Kano, in partnership with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC). While there was unanimous agreement on granting full autonomy to local governments, a consensus on the establishment of state police was not reached.
Supporters of state police, such as Senator Sani Musa, argue that decentralized policing is essential for addressing the widespread insecurity in the nation. Musa stressed that each state faces its unique security challenges and that state police would enable more localized and effective responses. Conversely, opponents, including former Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume, warn that state police could be weaponized by governors against political adversaries. Ndume advocates for an increase in police personnel and improved welfare to bolster national security instead.
The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, represented by Oyo State House Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, has expressed support for state police, asserting that decentralized policing would enhance local security, create jobs, and promote better law enforcement. Ogundoyin also called for the devolution of power by moving certain responsibilities from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent and Residual Lists, believing this shift would strengthen Nigeria’s federalism.
As discussions continue regarding state police, local government autonomy has garnered overwhelming backing. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and other senators, including Abdulfatai Buhari and Osita Izunaso, emphasized that autonomy would allow local governments to function independently and efficiently. However, Buhari urged that local elections should be conducted by independent bodies to prevent state governors from manipulating local administrations.
The retreat also highlighted demands for the creation of additional states, particularly from the Southeast and South-South geopolitical zones. Representatives like Senator Izunaso emphasized the need for equity, noting that the Southeast currently has fewer states compared to other regions. The constitutional review process, led by committees in both the Senate and House of Representatives, aims to address these intricate issues, with final amendments anticipated to be completed next year.
