Kalu Defends State Police Bill Amid Concerns of Abuse

On Friday, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, defended the proposed state police bill in Abuja.

He addressed concerns regarding potential abuse by state governors, asserting that the legislation aims to provide significant security benefits to Nigerians. Kalu explained that the constitutional amendment to establish state police includes adequate safeguards against abuse and aims to prevent political misuse.

He noted that while there is a minor risk of abuse, the majority of Nigerians would benefit from the bill. Kalu also mentioned that the proposed legislation explicitly prohibits the deployment of state police for partisan political activities.

The amendment will lead to the repeal and reenactment of the Police Act, providing a legal framework for implementing state police. Kalu's defense came after his engagement at Chatham House in London, where he discussed Nigeria's democratic reforms and preparations for the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the importance of international perception and electoral credibility.