The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has urged stakeholders in the country to proceed with caution on the issue of the establishment of a state police News About Nigeria reports.
He stated this while speaking at the one-day national dialogue on state policing, Themed: “Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria” in Abuja on Monday.
He noted that it is important for stakeholders to tread with caution on the issue, and also provide a framework that would dispel the fear of abuse of state police by governors.
He maintained that the establishment of the State Police has continued to elicit fear and doubt in the minds of Nigerians and urged the House to work towards dispelling those fears.
“This emphasises the need for robust frameworks that ensure accountability, transparency, and equitable service delivery across all states,” he stated.
According to him, most Nigerians agree on the need to reform the police force, but there is no agreement on how best to proceed with the reform.
He maintained that it is imperative to set stringent national standards, establish oversight bodies, and involve communities in the policing process.
“As we explore the models of state policing that have been successful in other nations, we must be judicious in adapting these frameworks to fit our unique Nigerian context. We must recognise that no one-size-fits-all solution exists,” he added.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, noted that the escalating security challenges in the country demanded innovative solutions and candid discussions.
