Lagos backs state police but seeks greater local powers
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
The Lagos State House of Assembly supports the creation of state police, but is calling on federal legislators to define more clearly the respective powers of federal and local forces. Its Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, believes states should have greater authority over their police, according to Punch.
The Lagos State House of Assembly supports the creation of state police in Nigeria, but is asking for constitutional reform to give states greater control and clearly define the division of responsibilities with the federal police. Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa raised these concerns on Tuesday during a debate on the proposed sixth amendment to the 1999 Constitution, according to Punch.
Obasa believes that retaining substantial powers at federal level could weaken the reform’s purpose. He called for the Constitution to specify the roles of the federal and state police forces to avoid an imbalance between the two levels of authority.
The bill, sent by the National Assembly to state legislatures, is currently under consideration by them. Nearly 25 states have already expressed support for the creation of a state police service. The Kano and Ondo assemblies have approved the proposal, according to their votes in favour of state police and the Ondo Assembly’s approval.
Obasa praised President Bola Tinubu, National Assembly leaders and state legislatures for their role in the process. He also separately called for dedicated security arrangements for parliamentary institutions.
