The Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s quest to establish State Police as a “masterstroke” aimed at addressing insecurity and strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
Senator Barau said the proposal represents one of the most significant constitutional reforms currently under consideration, noting that decentralising policing could improve the country’s capacity to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities.
Furthermore, he stated that the initiative demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to implementing practical solutions capable of improving public safety across the federation.
State Police as a Strategic Reform
According to the Deputy Senate President, the proposed State Police system has the potential to transform security management across Nigeria.
Furthermore, he explained that allowing states to establish and manage their own police services would enhance local intelligence gathering, improve response times, and strengthen community-based policing.
He noted that security challenges often require solutions tailored to local realities.
Decentralisation supports more effective policing.
Constitution Review Process Underway
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to ensuring that all constitutional amendments receive careful consideration.
Furthermore, he stated that extensive consultations with stakeholders remain essential to producing reforms that strengthen democracy, national unity, and institutional effectiveness.
The committee continues engaging relevant groups on key constitutional issues.
Inclusive dialogue strengthens reform.
Addressing Insecurity Nationwide
Barau observed that insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing national challenges.
Furthermore, he argued that strengthening the country’s policing framework through constitutional reforms would complement the efforts of existing security agencies while improving protection for lives and property.
He expressed confidence that additional policing structures would enhance overall security coordination.
Improved security encourages national development.
Supporting Community Policing
The Deputy Senate President explained that State Police could promote closer relationships between law enforcement agencies and local communities.
Furthermore, officers recruited and deployed within their respective states are expected to possess greater knowledge of local languages, culture, geography, and security dynamics.
Community participation strengthens crime prevention.
Local knowledge improves operational effectiveness.
Safeguards Remain Important
While supporting the initiative, Senator Barau acknowledged the importance of establishing adequate constitutional safeguards.
Furthermore, he emphasised that accountability mechanisms, operational standards, and legal oversight would remain essential to ensuring professionalism, respect for human rights, and effective coordination among security institutions.
Strong institutions require effective checks and balances.
National Assembly’s Commitment
The Deputy Senate President assured Nigerians that the Senate would continue examining proposals objectively throughout the constitution review exercise.
Furthermore, lawmakers remain committed to enacting reforms capable of strengthening governance, improving public institutions, and responding to the country’s evolving security needs.
The legislative process will continue through consultation and deliberation.
Building a Safer Nigeria
Senator Barau concluded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s advocacy for State Police reflects a bold approach to confronting Nigeria’s security challenges.
Furthermore, he expressed optimism that, if properly implemented with appropriate constitutional safeguards, the initiative would strengthen law enforcement, improve community security, enhance intelligence gathering, and contribute significantly to lasting peace and stability across the country.
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