Ex-Lawmaker Ayodele Aris Backs State Police Bill

Ayodele Aris, a former lawmaker representing Ekiti North from 2007 to 2011, commended President Bola Tinubu during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday for the swift passage of the state police bill by the Senate and House of Representatives. This legislation aims to establish state police services nationwide, allowing states to manage their own police forces within national standards set by the National Assembly.

Aris described the bill as a major step toward addressing Nigeria's security challenges, emphasizing the need for local police to enhance intelligence gathering and respond effectively to security threats. He acknowledged concerns from state governors regarding potential misuse of state police for political purposes but expressed confidence in the constitutional safeguards designed to prevent such abuses.

Aris noted that the proposed structure for state police would include checks and balances to ensure accountability, similar to multi-layered policing systems in countries like the United States and Canada.