State police proposal enjoyed nationwide backing, Says Bamidele

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has said the recently passed State Police Bill emerged from years of consultations and widespread public support, dismissing claims that it was motivated by political considerations.

In a statement released on Sunday by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele described the proposed constitutional amendment as a response to Nigeria’s growing security challenges rather than a partisan initiative.

According to him, concerns about insecurity across the country made it necessary for lawmakers to consider new approaches to policing, leading to the development and eventual passage of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026.

While acknowledging that some Nigerians have raised concerns about the possible misuse of state police by political office holders, Bamidele said such fears should not distract from the urgent need to improve security nationwide.

He noted that critics often point to perceived weaknesses associated with regional policing under the 1963 Constitution. However, he argued that those concerns have already formed part of extensive national discussions on the subject.

Bamidele explained that the proposal was subjected to rigorous examination during the constitutional review process. He said memoranda were received from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, while consultations were held with the executive arm of government, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

He added that public hearings conducted across the six geopolitical zones in July 2025 showed strong support for the establishment of state police.

The Senate Leader further revealed that the Nigeria Police Force submitted recommendations in support of the proposal.

“It included recommendations that helped lawmakers incorporate accountability and oversight mechanisms to guard against possible abuse by political actors,” he stated.

Bamidele also stressed that support for the bill was not limited to members of the ruling party. According to him, lawmakers from opposition parties, including the PDP, ADC, NDC and Labour Party, backed the legislation.

He disclosed that 84 out of the 109 senators took part in the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill and voted in favour of its passage, representing 77.06 per cent approval in the Senate.

Calling for a united approach to national security, Bamidele urged political actors to place public safety above partisan interests.

He said opposition parties should focus on proposing improvements to the legislation where necessary rather than rejecting it outright for political reasons.

Bamidele maintained that the establishment of state police remains a matter of urgent national importance and should not be undermined by political ambitions.

According to him, the legislation is intended to strengthen the country’s security architecture and ensure better protection of lives and property.