State Police Bill gains international praise as US lawmaker applauds Tinubu

A member of the United States Congress, Riley Moore, has praised President Bola Tinubu for supporting the proposed establishment of state police services across Nigeria.

Moore’s reaction followed the Nigerian Senate’s approval of the constitutional amendment aimed at creating state-controlled police forces as part of wider efforts to improve security and law enforcement.

Welcoming the development, the congressman said: “I’m encouraged to see Nigeria’s Senate approve legislation to establish state-level police forces.

“I can’t stress how critical this law is.

“It will empower states to protect their citizens and reduce dependence on decision makers in Abuja.”

The American lawmaker noted that he had consistently advocated the reform, both publicly and behind the scenes, particularly after examining reports of attacks on Christian communities in parts of Nigeria.

According to him, a decentralised policing system would improve the capacity of local authorities to tackle security threats and provide better protection for at-risk populations.

“President Tinubu deserves credit for pushing it forward,” he added.

Moore described the measure as an important milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to confront insecurity, arguing that state governments would be better positioned to respond quickly to local challenges.

Over the years, the congressman has emerged as one of the most outspoken voices in the US Congress on issues relating to Nigeria’s security situation and religious freedom.

He has repeatedly called on the US government to classify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a designation under the International Religious Freedom Act reserved for nations accused of serious violations of religious liberty.

Moore has also held discussions with policymakers and international partners on violence affecting Christian populations and other vulnerable communities in the country.

The Senate passed the amendment on Wednesday after years of debate over the need to restructure Nigeria’s policing system. If fully adopted, the reform will permit state governments to operate their own police services while the federal police force continues to function nationwide.

The proposal now moves to the Houses of Assembly across the federation, where approval by at least two-thirds of the states is required before it can become part of the Constitution.