A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former senator, Ayodele Arise, has applauded President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for the prompt passage of the State Police Bill, calling it a significant move to tackle Nigeria’s persistent security issues.
Arise, who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011, made the remarks during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
The Senate on Wednesday followed the House of Representatives in approving the bill, clearing the path for states to establish and manage their own police forces. Once ratified by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly, the law will decentralise policing, ending the Federal Government’s monopoly while maintaining national standards set by the legislature.
The ex-lawmaker described the development as timely and essential. “It is a very welcome development. Having state police is a much-needed measure to reduce the security threats we face in the country,” he said.
Arise commended President Tinubu for his proactive stance on security reforms. He highlighted that local officers, familiar with their communities, would improve intelligence gathering and response times, complementing federal agencies.
On fears that state governors might abuse the new police structure for political ends, Arise acknowledged the concerns as valid but expressed optimism that built-in safeguards would prevent misuse. He pointed to successful multi-layered policing systems in countries like the United States and Canada as models.
“We must ensure adequate checks and balances are in place,” he stressed. Arise suggested mechanisms such as a state police commission recommending candidates for police chief, with legislative ratification, to curb potential excesses by governors.
The State Police Bill is seen as one of the most ambitious security reforms in Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional review. Supporters argue it will enable faster, more effective responses to local threats, while critics continue to worry about possible political interference.
The bill now proceeds to state assemblies for ratification.
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