Former lawmaker Kayode Oladele praises National Assembly's passage of state police bill

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