Kalu Reaffirms Support for State Police, Says Reform Will Strengthen National Security
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to establishing a constitutional framework for State Police, describing the proposed reform as a critical step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
Kalu stated this on Wednesday during the National Town Hall on “Building a National Consensus on State Police and National Security,” organised by Arise News in Abuja.
Speaking alongside other stakeholders, the Deputy Speaker said the discussion came at a crucial period as the National Assembly continues work on the Constitution Amendment Bills, with the State Police Bill remaining one of the key proposals under consideration.
He explained that the town hall provided an opportunity to engage Nigerians, address concerns and clarify misconceptions surrounding the proposed State Police system.
According to Kalu, the proposed framework is not designed to weaken the Federal Government or fragment Nigeria’s security structure but rather to establish a more responsive and efficient policing system supported by constitutional safeguards.
He noted that the bill clearly defines the respective responsibilities of the Federal and State Governments through the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists, ensuring effective national coordination while empowering states to respond more swiftly to local security challenges.
The Deputy Speaker stressed that State Police is intended to complement the existing Federal Police structure by promoting community policing, enhancing intelligence gathering and improving collaboration among security agencies.
He disclosed that the State Police Bill is currently before the Conference Committee of the National Assembly, comprising members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, where outstanding areas of difference are being harmonised before the final version is presented for legislative consideration.
Kalu urged Nigerians to remain confident in the constitutional amendment process and continue to participate by expressing their views, assuring that the proposed legislation is being developed with adequate constitutional safeguards to protect democracy, preserve national unity and enhance the security of lives and property across the country.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting reforms aimed at promoting true federalism and strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.
Kalu Reaffirms Support for State Police, Says Reform Will Strengthen National Security