Local law enforcement: Heads of state present plan for legislative scrutiny

The Nigeria Governors Forum has submitted its contribution to the proposed state police framework, with the document set to be transmitted to the National Assembly, as disclosed by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Sunday.

n

AbdulRazaq revealed that discussions on state police are ongoing among various security organisations, led by the National Security Adviser, and the NGF has made its contribution to the process, with the aim of establishing a legislative framework for state police.

n

The governor stated that the NGF's contribution is part of the ongoing discussions, saying "On the issue of state police, discussions are ongoing amongst various security organisations, led by the National Security Advisor, and the NGF has made its contribution.

n

He further explained that the document will be taken to the National Assembly to facilitate the creation of a legislative framework for state police, as he noted that "That document will be taken to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for state police."

n

AbdulRazaq reaffirmed the governors' commitment to collaborating with security forces to defeat terrorism, expand infrastructure, and improve the lives of citizens, stating "As governors, we commit to renew our collaboration with security forces to defeat terrorism steadily, expand infrastructure opportunities and improve outcomes of lives of our people."

n

The NGF chairman congratulated President Tinubu on his successful state visit to the United Kingdom, describing it as a significant and bold move, as he said "We congratulate you on the successful state visit to the United Kingdom and the many successes, investment proposals achieved during the trip."

n

AbdulRazaq noted that the state visit, the first in 37 years, marks a new leadership in Nigeria and is expected to strengthen the existing relationship between Nigeria and the UK, as he stated "While our nation has always enjoyed good relationship with the United Kingdom, the state visit, the first in 37 years, is bold and significant, it speaks to new leadership in Nigeria."

n

The governor expressed confidence that the bilateral agreements signed and the new approach on issues of shared interest with the UK would bring prosperity to Nigerians, saying "We are confident that the bilateral agreements presently signed and the new approach on issues of shared interest will strengthen existing relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and will bring more prosperity to our people."

n

AbdulRazaq thanked President Tinubu for implementing the Renewed Hope agenda in a way that has made Nigerians proud, stating "Your Excellency, we thank you for prosecuting the Renewed Hope agenda in a way that has made Nigerians proud more than ever before."

n

He emphasized that the Renewed Hope agenda has given every Nigerian a stake in nation-building, which is expected to translate to improved security across the country, as he said "Every Nigerian now has a stake in nation-building, we believe that this will translate to improved security in every part of our country."

n

AbdulRazaq stressed the need for a collective effort to end security breaches across the country, declaring "Together, we must see that breaches of security all over the country come to an end."

n

The NGF chairman called on Nigerians, especially leaders, to commit to the virtues of piety, selflessness, compassion, unity, and mutual understanding for collective security, happiness, and prosperity.

n

AbdulRazaq noted that about 25 governors attended the meeting at short notice, saying "As you can see here today, we have about 25 governors who, at short notice, it’s a respect we have for you and the leadership you’re providing for the nation."

n

Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other top government functionaries were present at the meeting, which was held on Sunday in Lagos.

n

The state police proposal has been a subject of intense debate, with proponents arguing that it would enhance security by bringing policing closer to communities, while critics express concerns about potential abuse by governors.

n

The new Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, had in February set up a committee to work out modalities for the establishment of state police.