Senate’s passage of state police bill historic, says Sanwo-Olu

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Gov Sanwo-Olu

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Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated President Bola Tinubu following the Senate’s passage of the constitutional amendment bill seeking the establishment of state police.

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Sanwo-Olu, in a statement signed on Thursday, described the Senate’s approval of the bill’s 26 clauses as a landmark development in Nigeria’s democratic and security evolution.

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He said the passage of the bill represented one of the most significant reforms of the nation’s security architecture, with the potential to strengthen grassroots policing and improve public safety.

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The governor described the parliamentary approval as “epochal”, saying the development further demonstrated Tinubu’s long-standing commitment to true federalism and progressive governance in Nigeria.

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“Today is a great day for our country and a moment to celebrate the triumph of genuine democratic and developmental ideas over parochial sentiments,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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According to him, the president has consistently championed the creation of state police since serving as governor of Lagos between 1999 and 2007, in spite of resistance from various quarters.

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“State Police has been top of mind for President Tinubu since 1999, when he governed Lagos. We are happy to witness its emergence in Nigeria today,” he said.

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Sanwo-Olu said the proposed state police structure would significantly boost efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities threatening national development and stability.

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He commended the president’s vision, resilience and unwavering dedication to reforms aimed at deepening federalism and improving governance outcomes across the federation.

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The governor also praised the Senate for what he described as a historic decision and urged state houses of assembly to expedite consideration and passage of the bill.

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“The Senate has made history with this bold step. I urge the state assemblies to follow suit and ensure this important constitutional amendment becomes a reality,” he said. (NAN)

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