Former Ogun legislator commends National Assembly for approving state policing legislation

Kayode Oladele, a former member of the House of Representatives and ex-Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, has hailed the National Assembly's passage of the Constitution Alteration Bill on State Police as a well-timed and significant constitutional response to Nigeria's escalating security woes.

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As a Nigerian-American legal practitioner, Oladele believes the proposed legislation presents a historic chance to bolster Nigeria's internal security framework and reinforce federalism's constitutional principles.

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In a statement released on Monday, the former lawmaker noted that although the bill still needs to secure the approval of at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly and presidential assent, its passage by both the Senate and the House of Representatives marks a major milestone in Nigeria's constitutional development.

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Oladele observed that the country's growing security challenges have exposed the limitations of a highly centralised policing system, highlighting the need for institutional reforms that bring law enforcement closer to the people.

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He stressed that meaningful development is impossible without security, citing Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which states that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people.

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The increasing incidence of terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry, communal conflicts, farmer-herder clashes, and other violent crimes, according to Oladele, demonstrates that the existing policing structure requires urgent constitutional review.

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Oladele commended the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for their commitment and sacrifices, adding that the demand for state police should not be seen as a criticism of the institution, but rather as a recognition of the need to modernise Nigeria's security framework.

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He argued that a single, centrally controlled police force cannot effectively police a country as large and diverse as Nigeria, and that the proposed state police arrangement is consistent with federalism's principles.

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Oladele described the proposal as a constitutional response to contemporary security realities, rather than a political concession, emphasizing that federalism requires the devolution of governmental responsibilities to promote efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness.

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The former lawmaker explained that the Constitution Alteration Bill envisages a dual policing structure, comprising a Federal Police Service and state police services, and that the legislation does not compel every state to establish its own police organisation.

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Each state, according to Oladele, would need to enact its own enabling law before establishing a state police service, while complying with nationally prescribed standards on recruitment, training, discipline, operations, and accountability.

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Oladele acknowledged concerns over the possible abuse of state police by state governments, but maintained that such fears should not derail a necessary reform.

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He noted that the bill contains safeguards to prevent abuse, including legislative oversight, nationally prescribed policing standards, and provisions permitting federal intervention in exceptional circumstances.

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Oladele stated that no constitutional arrangement is entirely immune from abuse, and that what is required is the strengthening of democratic institutions, judicial independence, legislative oversight, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

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The former federal lawmaker urged states to carefully assess their financial capacity before establishing police services, warning that effective policing requires sustained investment in personnel, training, equipment, intelligence gathering, and technology.

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He called on members of the state Houses of Assembly to consider the constitutional amendment objectively when it is transmitted to them for ratification, prioritizing the security of Nigerians and the long-term stability of the country's democratic institutions over partisan interests.

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Oladele observed that state police alone will not eliminate insecurity, and that judicial reforms, improved intelligence gathering, enhanced welfare for security personnel, and stronger inter-agency collaboration are critical to addressing Nigeria's security challenges.

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He expressed optimism that the constitutional amendment, if properly implemented, will produce a policing system that is more responsive to local realities, more accountable to the people, and better equipped to protect lives and property across the federation.