The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill has said the establishment of state police will strengthen federalism and improve security across Nigeria.
The Secretary of the working group, Nnadubem Moghalu, however, challenged state governors to back the proposed system with adequate funding, saying their commitment should reflect the value they place on the lives and property of residents.
Moghalu spoke at the Second Annual Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps.
The lecture, themed “The Imperative for State Police: Securing Communities, Strengthening Federalism”, focused on proposals for a more effective and accountable policing system amid terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Moghalu said state police would bring policing closer to communities and make the federal system work more effectively.
He urged governors to provide the necessary resources if the policy is eventually implemented, stressing that state governments must take responsibility for the security of their people.
Other speakers at the event also renewed calls for stronger law enforcement and community-centred policing.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, joined the representatives of the Speaker of the House, Akin Rotimi; the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, Grace Ike; the Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Henry Nwawuba; and the representative of the Inspector-General of Police, DCP Suleiman Gulma, at the event.
They emphasised the need to improve citizen safety and strengthen law enforcement as Nigeria continues to confront insecurity.
The event ended with the presentation of awards of excellence to distinguished Nigerians, including Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago.
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