Senate Leader Bamidele on Safeguarding State Police

On Wednesday, Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele provided details on proposals to establish a state police service in Nigeria, aiming to prevent state governors from hijacking its operations. Bamidele, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee reviewing the 1999 Constitution, acknowledged public concerns regarding the potential misuse of state police by political actors and criminal organizations.

He emphasized the importance of financial independence for the state police service, which would be enshrined in law, to ensure it is not subject to the whims of state governors. Bamidele referenced historical concerns from the first republic (1960-1963) about regional powers establishing police forces.

He stated that the National Assembly is developing multi-tier guardrails to safeguard the proposed service, including the need for independent fiscal autonomy. The funding for the state police service would be a first-line charge, ensuring that it is not reliant on state governors for financial support.