Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin has disclosed that the proposed State Police Establishment Bill grants the President powers to intervene and take over the operations of any state police service found to be abused or operating in ways that threaten national security or the sovereignty of the federation.
Barau made the clarification while speaking on the ongoing constitutional amendment process aimed at establishing state police in Nigeria. He emphasised that the provision serves as a key safeguard to address widespread concerns that state governors might misuse state police formations to harass political opponents or violate citizens’ rights.
“If a state police service derails, compromises national sovereignty or acts in a manner inimical to the Federation, the President has the constitutional power to invoke the relevant provisions and authorise the Federal Police to immediately take over its operations,” Barau stated.
The Deputy Senate President further explained that the bill limits governors’ absolute control by requiring the appointment of State Police Commanders to be based on recommendations from the National Police Council. This council, which includes the President, state governors, the Inspector-General of Police, and retired senior police officers, is designed to ensure professionalism and provide institutional oversight.
Barau noted that the National Assembly and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are collaborating closely to pass the bill as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security framework and respond to demands for decentralised policing.
He added that the legislature conducted extensive public hearings across all geopolitical zones, incorporating inputs from state governments, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
Expressing confidence in the reform, the Deputy Senate President said there is strong political will to enact the legislation, describing state policing as a vital step that would enhance local intelligence gathering while maintaining constitutional checks and balances against potential abuses.
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