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By Kenneth Udeh
The Senator representing Abia North, Orji Kalu, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu’s push for the establishment of state police is driven by political considerations ahead of the 2027 general election, saying the President’s motivation is the safety of Nigerians.
Speaking on the proposed constitutional amendment during an interview on Arise News on Sunday, Kalu said Tinubu had consistently explained that his interest in state police was rooted in addressing the country’s security challenges.
“Well, I want to correct one impression. President Tinubu is not making this law because of the 2027 election. President Tinubu is anxious about this law because, from what he explained to us and to me, he’s concerned about the safety of Nigerian people,” Kalu said.
The former Abia State Governor explained that the first step towards establishing state police is for state Houses of Assembly to approve constitutional amendments removing the provision that recognises only one police force in the country.
According to him, once the constitutional amendment is completed, the National Assembly will move to amend the Police Act to provide the legal framework for the operation of the state police.
“If the State Houses of Assembly amend those sections today, it gives us the opportunity to go to the second stage, which is bringing an Act to amend the Police Act,” he said.
Kalu added that the proposed legislation would address issues such as the powers of governors, modes of appointment, operational procedures, and other governance structures for state police.
“The most important thing is for the State Houses of Assembly to amend that section of the Constitution that makes it mandatory that there shall be one police force, which is the Nigeria Police Force. Amend it to provide for federal police services and state police services.
“Once we finish that, we’ll enter the second stage, which is amending the Police Act,” he added.
The SUN reports that the push for state police has gained momentum amid worsening insecurity across the country.
Section 214(1) of the 1999 Constitution currently provides for only one police force, the Nigeria Police Force, meaning the creation of state police requires a constitutional amendment approved by two-thirds of the National Assembly and ratified by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.
As part of the ongoing constitutional review, the Senate and House of Representatives have passed the state police amendment bill and transmitted it to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for concurrence.
President Bola Tinubu and the National Economic Council, comprising the 36 state governors and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, have endorsed the establishment of a state police.
Once the constitutional amendment secures the required approval from the states, the National Assembly will amend the Police Act, 2020, to provide the legal framework for state police, including their powers, command structure, funding, relationship with the Federal Police Service, governors’ roles, and safeguards against political abuse.
