Editor
By Fatima Saka
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D.,on Monday says that the aim of National Dialogue on State Policing is to address its plausibility.
The speaker thereby ascertain that the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to transforming the Nigeria Police Force was highlighted, with a shift towards considering State Policing as a significant reform.
At the National Dialogue on State Policing, Abbas emphasized on the theme that pathways to peace, reimagining policing in Nigeria that the House of Representatives will support the President’s vision and enhance discussions on police reforms and multi-level policing.
While delivering his keynote address by Hon. Abbas Tajudeen said the National Assembly’s role in crafting laws for national security and public welfare was emphasized, with a focus on ensuring any initiatives align with the Constitution and broader security goals. Legislative oversight is crucial to monitor the implementation of laws effectively and safeguard citizens’ rights.
“The House of Representatives aims to facilitate dialogue and consensus-building on the divisive issue of State Policing, promoting objectivity and neutrality in discussions.
“The importance of inclusive dialogue and national consensus in creating State Policing systems was highlighted, acknowledging the diverse challenges and perspectives across different regions of Nigeria.
“The need for reform in the police force was stressed, considering the historical context and the demands of the current security challenges facing the country. The concept of decentralizing law enforcement functions to the State level for more localized and responsive policing was discussed.”
The address also touched on the historical precedent of decentralised policing in Nigeria, the potential benefits of a decentralised approach, and the need for robust frameworks to ensure accountability and transparency.
The speaker further stressed that the dialogue aimed to explore the pros and cons of State Policing, considering suitable models for Nigeria, legal frameworks, oversight mechanisms, and financial arrangements between different levels of government. “The importance of the dialogue is to enrich the legislative work for the peace, security, and development of Nigeria.”
