The Kogi State 8th House of Assembly has thrown its full weight behind the Constitutional Alteration Bill initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the establishment of State Police.
The Bill which seeks to curb rising insecurity, was passed during Tuesday’s plenary after consideration of the constitutional amendment to restructure the nation’s security architecture.
Addressing the House, the Speaker, Aliyu Yusuf said state policing will improve intelligence gathering, strengthen local accountability, and help curb farmer-herder clashes, kidnapping and banditry.
“Arising from the growing nature of insecurity characterised by terrorism, kidnapping, banditory, political thurgery and other domestic crimes in our community the House has unwavering support and commitment of each honorable member as the legislative voice of the good people of Kogi State.”
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Leading the debate, the Majority Leader Abdulrazak Suleiman said the community-based approach to policing was long overdue due to incessant threats to lives and property.
The member representing Omala Constituency, Umar Yahaya, declared that state policing was the way forward.
“These State Police Services will now bring security closer to the people at the grassroot which will pave the way for a better understanding of the terrain”.
Lawmakers however noted potential disadvantages, including fears of abuse by state actors, political interference and funding challenges, stressing the need for strong safeguards.
The Alteration Bill before the National Assembly seeks to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, to allow states to establish their own State Police under a national framework.
After the passage, the Clerk and the Head of Legislative Service will forward a copy of the Parliament’s resolution to the National Assembly as directed.
