Former lawmaker Kayode Oladele praises National Assembly's passage of state police bill
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Kayode Oladele, a former member of the House of Representatives and former Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, has lauded the National Assembly's passage of the Constitution Alteration Bill on State Police. He described it as a timely and significant constitutional response to Nigeria's escalating security issues, stating it offers a historic chance to bolster the nation's internal security framework and reinforce federalism. Oladele noted that while the bill still requires approval from at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly and presidential assent, its passage by both the Senate and House of Representatives marks a major step in Nigeria's constitutional development. He argued that Nigeria's growing security challenges highlight the limitations of a centralized policing system and the necessity for reforms that bring law enforcement closer to the populace. Oladele emphasized that there can be no meaningful development without security, citing Section 142b of the Constitution. He commended the Nigeria Police Force but clarified that the call for state police is not a criticism but a recognition of the need to modernize the security framework. He believes no single centrally controlled police force can effectively police a country as large and diverse as Nigeria, asserting that the proposed state police arrangement aligns with federalism principles. The former lawmaker explained that the bill envisions a dual policing structure with a Federal Police S
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to focus on rehabilitating existing roads rather than starting new construction projects. In a post on his X handle, Obi argued that repairing critical highways would benefit Nigerians more than initiating new ventures. He stated that successive governments should restore the country’s deteriorating road network before announcing fresh projects. Obi cited the Asaba–Benin Road as an example of a vital transport corridor linking several states to Lagos, noting that large sections have deteriorated, causing persistent gridlock and hardship for commuters and businesses. He emphasized that the situation on the Asaba–Benin Road reflects the condition of many of Nigeria’s busiest highways, urging greater attention to their reconstruction and maintenance. Obi concluded that the Nigerian populace needs functional and motorable roads, not just projects for public attention or political gain.
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