The Nigerian Senate has fiercely defended its approval of the proposed State Police Bill, insisting the measure is aimed at ending insecurity and must not be reduced to a political contest. The proposed legislation attracted criticism after some opposition leaders argued that implementing state police before the 2027 general election could expose the security system […]

The Nigerian Senate has fiercely defended its approval of the proposed State Police Bill, insisting the measure is aimed at ending insecurity and must not be reduced to a political contest.

The proposed legislation attracted criticism after some opposition leaders argued that implementing state police before the 2027 general election could expose the security system to political interference.

Reacting to the concerns, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said lawmakers acted out of national necessity and not political convenience. He maintained that the bill followed a thorough consultation process involving major stakeholders across the country.

Bamidele said discussions on state police began during the ongoing constitutional review, where several organisations and interested groups submitted memoranda supporting the proposal. Because of its importance, lawmakers subjected the bill to detailed scrutiny before passing it.

According to him, the National Assembly held consultations with the Executive, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant institutions. Public hearings were equally organised across the six geopolitical zones to gather citizens’ opinions.

He added that inputs from the Nigeria Police strengthened the accountability and oversight provisions included in the bill to ensure state police would not be misused for political purposes.

The Senate leader further disclosed that lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties supported the legislation, saying the bill secured the backing of 84 senators during the clause by clause voting process.

Bamidele urged political actors to place Nigeria’s security above party interests, insisting that all stakeholders should work together by proposing practical solutions that will promote peace, stability and effective policing nationwide.5 Powerful Straight News Headlines