Uzodimma lauds Tinubu, National Assembly Over State Police Bill

Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma, has commended President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for advancing the constitutional amendment process to establish state police, describing the proposal as a major milestone in Nigeria's efforts to tackle insecurity.

In a statement issued on Friday, Uzodimma praised President Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership and political commitment to reforming the country's security architecture.

He also applauded the leadership of the National Assembly for supporting the constitutional amendment, saying lawmakers had demonstrated patriotism by responding to longstanding calls for a more decentralised policing structure.

The Senate recently passed the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish state police as part of ongoing constitutional amendments. The House of Representatives had earlier approved the proposal. Before the amendment can take effect, however, it must be endorsed by at least two-thirds of Nigeria's 36 state Houses of Assembly and subsequently assented to by the President.

According to Uzodimma, creating state police would strengthen internal security by improving intelligence gathering, enhancing community policing and enabling faster responses to criminal activities at the grassroots.

"The passage of the State Police Bill by the National Assembly is a bold and historic milestone in our collective effort to address Nigeria's security challenges. I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the leadership and political will that made this possible," the governor said.

Uzodimma argued that decentralising policing would allow state governments to complement the Nigeria Police Force by leveraging better knowledge of local communities, languages and terrain.

He said the proposed reform would also improve public safety and create a more secure environment capable of attracting businesses, encouraging investment and supporting economic growth.

"This reform reflects a deep understanding of the country's evolving security realities. State police, when backed by appropriate constitutional safeguards, will enhance collaboration among security agencies and ensure more effective protection of lives and property," he added.

The governor called on state governments, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support the remaining constitutional process needed to establish state police.

He stressed that the new policing framework should include strong legal safeguards to prevent abuse of power while promoting professionalism, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.

Uzodimma expressed confidence that, if successfully implemented, state police would strengthen Nigeria's federal structure, improve security nationwide and contribute to long-term peace and national development.

He also expressed optimism that the remaining stages of the constitutional amendment process would be completed in the interest of national security and the welfare of Nigerians.