Mr Ayoola Lawal, a former secretary of the APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen says history will positively remember the generation of leaders in the 10th National Assembly for the decisions taken to establish a state police in Nigeria.
He said the 10th national assembly took the decision at a critical moment when the country is severely burdened by criminality.
This is contained in a statement signed by Lawal, a former chairman of the APC in Scandinavian Countries on Friday.
Lawal said the passage of the constitutional amendment Bill on the establishment of state police by the national assembly marked a historic milestone in Nigeria’s continuing quest to strengthen internal security.
The former secretary also added that it would deepen federalism, and enhance the capacity of government at all levels to protect lives and property.
“The lawmakers have written their names in gold at this time that a safer, stronger, and more secure Nigeria requires collective action, courage, and a shared commitment to the common good.
“The reform, which now awaits consideration by the State Houses of Assembly in accordance with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), reflects commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to meaningful institutional reforms, national security, and cooperative governance among the federating units.
“For decades, security experts, policy analysts, and advocates of constitutional reform have argued that Nigeria’s highly centralized policing structure places enormous pressure on federal security agencies.
“This also limits the ability of law enforcement to respond swiftly and effectively to local security challenges.
“The proposed state policing framework offers a practical pathway toward improving intelligence gathering, strengthening community engagement, and enhancing operational efficiency across the federation.”
Lawal described the passage of the bill as a patriotic and forward-looking intervention in the nation’s security architecture.
According to him, the speed with which the senate considered and passed the amendment, following diligent consideration and passage of the bill by the House of Representatives is highly impressive.
“The coordination demonstrated by both chambers underscores the urgency attached to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and advancing reforms that serve the national interest.
“The establishment of state police presents a unique opportunity for the federating units to strengthen security delivery, support ongoing federal efforts to combat crime, and promote peace, stability, and economic development across our country,” he said.
Lawal noted that the Tinubu administration has consistently prioritized security reforms, institutional effectiveness, and stronger collaboration between the federal and sub-national governments as essential pillars of national development.
He observed that the advancement of state policing is consistent with this vision and represented a significant step toward building a more responsive and resilient security system.
He further stated that if approved by the constitutionally required number of state houses of assembly, the reform would improve operational effectiveness, strengthen community-based policing, and reinforce Nigeria’s federal structure while preserving national unity and constitutional order.
He urged members of the state houses of assembly across the federation to rise above partisan considerations and act in the broader interest of national security and public welfare.
“This is a defining moment in our democratic evolution and security reform journey. The responsibility now rests with the states to complete this historic process.
“I respectfully call on all state houses of assembly to treat this amendment with the urgency it deserves and approve it without delay in the overriding interest of national security and national development.”
He said the state police amendment represented more than a constitutional reform.
Lawal noted that it is an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of national security, empower communities, and advance a federal system better equipped to meet challenges and aspirations of a modern Nigeria. (NAN)
