Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin says the proposed constitutional framework for the establishment of state police contains safeguards that would empower the president to intervene if any governor attempts to misuse the outfit.
Gatekeepers News reports that Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, made the remarks on Saturday during Hannu Da Yawa, a live Hausa programme on Radio Nigeria Kaduna.
His comments come weeks after the Senate passed a constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The proposed legislation provides for a dual policing system in which the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and state police services would operate simultaneously while outlining specific circumstances under which the federal government could step in.
Barau described President Bola Tinubu’s push for state police as a “masterstroke” aimed at tackling the country’s persistent security challenges.
He said the executive bill was the product of extensive consultations involving the presidency, the National Assembly, the Inspector-General of Police, retired police officers, security experts, governors, civil society organisations and members of the public.
According to him, the proposal also underwent public hearings across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“President Tinubu carefully studied the situation and discovered that while many Nigerians support state police, there are fears that it could be abused or misused for political or ethnic purposes. That is why safeguards have been built into the system,” he said.
‘President can intervene’
Barau explained that the proposed framework incorporates constitutional and institutional checks to prevent abuse by state governments.
“If state police is used for intimidation or actions that threaten lives and property, the president has the constitutional authority to intervene and direct the federal police to take over,” he said.
He noted that state police would complement, rather than replace, the Nigeria Police Force.
“State police operatives, who will be recruited from local communities, know the people, the terrain and even the criminals,” he said.
“This will significantly improve our response to banditry, kidnapping and other crimes. The north stands to benefit significantly. This initiative is designed to bring lasting peace to the worst-hit areas.”
Barau added that while the Nigeria Police Force would continue to handle national security issues such as terrorism and cybercrime, state police would concentrate on internal security, law enforcement and public order.
He also said state police commandants would be appointed through a rigorous process and protected by law from undue political interference.
Addressing concerns over funding and operational capacity, the deputy senate president said appropriate financial and operational frameworks would be developed as the constitutional amendment process progresses.
He expressed optimism that state houses of assembly would support the proposed amendment.
“We must re-engineer our security architecture to better protect lives and property while guarding against abuse,” he said.
