The Enugu State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution endorsing the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, joining other state legislatures in advancing efforts towards decentralised policing and improved security.
The resolution was adopted on Tuesday following the consideration of a bill transmitted by the National Assembly seeking an alteration to the 1999 Constitution to provide for state police and related matters.
A member of the House representing Ezeagu Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze, disclosed this in a statement, describing the decision as a historic step towards strengthening true federalism, community safety and constitutional reform.
Obieze said he was proud to have joined his colleagues in adopting the bill, which proposes amendments to several sections of the Constitution to establish a Federal Police Service and State Police Services for states willing to create their own forces.
According to him, the proposed legislation also provides for the establishment of State Police Service Commissions, strengthened oversight mechanisms, national minimum standards, accountability and cooperation between federal and state authorities.
He added that the bill incorporates safeguards against abuse, including judicial review and restrictions on the partisan use of state police.
The lawmaker maintained that decentralised policing could help address security challenges peculiar to Enugu State and the South-East, improve the protection of lives and property, create employment opportunities for young people and strengthen democratic governance.
Obieze clarified that the proposed arrangement would not automatically transform existing vigilante groups or local security outfits into state police, nor would it compel every state to establish its own police service.
He said states that chose to establish state police would have a constitutional framework for developing professionally trained, accountable and community-oriented security institutions to complement the Federal Police Service.
The lawmaker commended the National Assembly leadership for transmitting the bill, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, and his fellow lawmakers for supporting the proposal.
He also praised Governor Peter Mbah for what he described as his continued commitment to protecting lives and property in Enugu State.
Declaring the legislature’s position, Obieze said:
“Enugu State has spoken. We have agreed.”
