Kalu Warns Against Political Use of Proposed State Police

On Thursday, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, addressed participants at the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit, emphasizing that the proposed establishment of state police must not be used as a tool for political repression. Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, stated that any decentralised policing system should be based on accountability, professionalism, and service to the people.

He noted that Nigeria's current centralised policing structure is overstretched and unable to effectively address security threats. Kalu referred to the executive bill on the establishment of State Police Services and Other Related Services (HB 2797) as a critical step towards improving local policing.

He assured that the National Assembly would pursue constitutional reforms to establish state police while embedding safeguards against political abuse. Kalu commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts to reform Nigeria's security architecture, including expanding the Nigerian Army and enhancing operational capacity.

He proposed a permanent South-East Regional Security Coordination Council to improve regional collaboration in security operations.