By Mercy Aikoye
Nigeria’s current centralized policing structure is inadequate and far behind global standards. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu believes that state police are necessary to tackle security challenges effectively.
“The only way we can achieve this is if we unbundle it from the way it is centralized,” he said.
Kalu highlighted the importance of response time in policing, noting that Nigeria’s current system is below global standards. He emphasized that state police would enable faster response times and more effective security measures. “Let’s have this conversation on issues like this to know whether you want it or not,” he urged.
Kalu praised Nigerians for demonstrating rare patriotism and resilience in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy. “Nigerians showed keen interest in the government’s reforms and in issues of representation,” he said.
Kalu highlighted his role in shaping global discussions on digital trade at the WTO-IPU Steering Committee session. He emphasized the importance of embedding digital trade as a central pillar of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
The Deputy Speaker rallied support for a bill reserving seats for women in Parliament, stressing that the exclusion of women from politics was holding back Nigeria’s democratic and economic progress. “You cannot talk about advancing democracy when you’re leaving 50 percent of the population outside the room,” he said.
Kalu shed light on his intervention in the crisis involving local contractors, using “legislative diplomacy” to calm tensions and secure commitments from government agencies. He said the meetings led to significant progress as payments have been made.
Despite his global engagements, Kalu emphasized that his priority will always be Nigeria. “My WTO program was still on, but duty called, and Nigeria comes first before the globe,” he declared.
