By Mercy Aikoye
The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has called for a comprehensive review of the proposed State Police Bill before its final passage, warning that the legislation must adequately address concerns over abuse, political interference and operational safeguards.
The caucus, led by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, alongside the Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa J.C., Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi, made the position known during plenary.
The lawmakers acknowledged the growing insecurity across the country and the need for reforms in Nigeria’s policing architecture but insisted that the establishment of state police must be backed by strong constitutional and institutional safeguards.
According to the caucus, while decentralising policing may improve response to local security challenges, the current proposal requires further scrutiny to prevent its misuse by state governments and ensure that citizens’ rights are adequately protected.
The lawmakers urged the House leadership to subject the bill to broader consultations with stakeholders, including state governments, security experts, civil society organisations, traditional rulers and the Nigerian Bar Association, to strengthen the proposed framework.
They also called for clear provisions on recruitment standards, funding mechanisms, operational independence, oversight responsibilities and accountability to prevent the creation of politically controlled security outfits.
The caucus stressed that without adequate safeguards, state police could become vulnerable to abuse, intimidation of political opponents and violations of fundamental human rights.
While reaffirming their support for genuine security sector reforms, the Minority lawmakers maintained that any constitutional amendment establishing state police must enjoy broad national consensus and reflect the interests of all Nigerians.
They urged the House to prioritise a transparent and inclusive legislative process that would produce a balanced law capable of enhancing security while protecting Nigeria’s democratic institutions and constitutional order.
