A former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, has backed the call for state police, saying the reform should bring policing closer to communities while maintaining professionalism, accountability and national cohesion.
Hon Elumelu, a Chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congresses, APC stated this in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by Pastor Edward Ogude at the 2nd Annual House of Representatives Press Corps Distinguished Parliamentary Lecture in Abuja on Tuesday.
The lecture, organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps, was themed, “The Imperative for State Police: Securing Communities, Strengthening Federalism.”
Hon Elumelu said the debate on state police was timely, particularly amid concerns over national security, community safety and the structure of Nigeria’s federal system.
He said policing was not merely a security issue but also a matter of governance, constitutional responsibility and the relationship among the different tiers of government.
According to him, “citizens expect security agencies to understand the peculiar circumstances of their communities and respond promptly to threats to lives and property.
He therefore questioned whether the existing policing architecture provided sufficient room for local responsiveness while maintaining national standards and cohesion.
Hon Elumelu said the discussion on state police should be approached with seriousness, openness and commitment to the national interest.
He said bringing policing closer to the people must be accompanied by safeguards to ensure professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and freedom from political interference.
“A sustainable policing framework must therefore provide effective mechanisms for oversight, accountability and redress, while ensuring adequate training, welfare, funding and professional standards for personnel,” he said.
The former Minority Leader said strengthening federalism required an effective balance between national unity and the ability of federating units to respond to the realities of their people.
He called for continuous dialogue, constitutional reflection and institutional reform in addressing the issue.
Hon Elumelu also urged legislators, journalists, civil society actors, academics, security professionals and citizens to focus on building a policing system that protects Nigerians, strengthens public confidence and contributes to a more secure and cohesive federation.
He said the media, particularly the parliamentary press corps, had an important role to play through accurate reporting, facilitating informed debate and holding public institutions accountable.
Hon Elumelu commended the House of Representatives Press Corps for sustaining the annual lecture, expressing confidence that the discussions would enrich the national conversation and provide valuable perspectives for policymakers and other stakeholders.
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