By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The Labour Party (LP) has welcomed the passage of the State Police Bill by the Senate, describing it as a bold and patriotic step towards addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, the LP commended the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, for what it called its courage and swift action in considering and passing the legislation transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The party noted that Nigerians across the country’s geopolitical zones had long advocated for a more responsive and effective policing system capable of tackling the nation’s evolving security threats.
According to the Labour Party, the passage of the bill marks a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen internal security and bring law enforcement closer to local communities.
“For years, Nigerians across all regions have clamoured for a more effective and responsive policing architecture capable of addressing the growing and increasingly complex security challenges confronting the nation,” the statement said.
While acknowledging concerns in some quarters over the potential abuse of state-controlled police structures, the party argued that the country’s current security realities justify the need for a decentralised policing framework.
The LP specifically referenced concerns arising from experiences with State Independent Electoral Commissions and allegations of undue influence by some governors but maintained that constitutional safeguards included in the bill would help prevent abuse.
The party expressed confidence in provisions contained in Section 17 of the amendment bill, which it said established accountability measures and oversight mechanisms to ensure that state police formations operate within constitutional limits.
According to the party, no policing model is entirely free from challenges, but the shortcomings of Nigeria’s existing centralised policing system have made reforms imperative.
“The realities of contemporary Nigeria make a compelling case for a decentralised policing structure,” the statement added.
The Labour Party further urged state governors and members of the various State Houses of Assembly to support the constitutional amendment process by approving the bill when it is transmitted to them for concurrence.
It stressed that the proposed reform should be viewed as a national security initiative rather than a partisan political issue.
The party expressed optimism that a properly regulated state policing system would strengthen community-based security, improve crime prevention efforts and enhance public safety across the federation.
“As the Bill now awaits the concurrence of the State Houses of Assembly before being transmitted to the President for assent, governors and state lawmakers should rise above partisan considerations and support this important constitutional reform in the overriding interest of national security,” the statement said.
The Labour Party maintained that with adequate oversight, transparency and strict adherence to constitutional provisions, state police would become a vital tool for combating crime and deepening Nigeria’s federal structure.
