The Presidency has announced that public submissions on the proposed National Policing Bill will close by 5 p.m. today, urging Nigerians to submit their views on the planned establishment of state police.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who chairs the Presidential Working Group on the Bill, said the consultation would help address concerns around political interference, oversight, police misconduct, and intelligence-sharing between federal and state police.
He stressed that any state police framework must include strong safeguards to prevent governors from using the force against political opponents, protesters, journalists, or minority communities.
Gbajabiamila explained that a constitutional amendment is still required before state police can be established, as the Constitution currently provides for only one police force. Both chambers of the National Assembly have approved the proposed changes, but at least 24 of the 36 state Houses of Assembly must still ratify it before it proceeds to the President for assent.
He added that even after the law is passed, state police will not be automatically established nationwide, each state will need its own enabling law, institutions, and funding, and must meet national conditions before operating. States not ready will continue to be served by the Nigeria Police Force.
Written by Mosopefoluwa August 12 every year is set aside globally to celebrate the young citizens and to reflect on the challenges they face. The reflection points to a troubling reality that has been sitting in their minds; the same young population that should be driving the country's growth is instead being held back by unemployment and insecurity. According to the State of the Nigerian Youth Report by Plan International […]
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