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Benjamin Kalu Defends State Police Bill, Says It Will Strengthen Nigeria's Security Framework
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has reaffirmed the urgent need for the establishment of State Police as part of broader constitutional reforms aimed at addressing Nigeria's growing security challenges. Speaking on Thursday at the National Town Hall on "Building a National Consensus on State Police and National Security," organised by Arise News in Abuja, Kalu stressed that strengthening the country's security architecture requires a policing system that is more responsive to local realities while remaining firmly anchored within the Constitution.
Addressing participants at the event, Kalu explained that the dialogue brought together prominent leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders at a crucial stage of the ongoing constitutional amendment process. According to him, the forum created another valuable opportunity to engage Nigerians directly, dispel widespread misconceptions about State Police, and respond to legitimate concerns surrounding the proposed legislation currently before the National Assembly.
The Deputy Speaker maintained that the proposed State Police framework is not designed to weaken the authority of the Federal Government or create competing security institutions. Instead, he said the objective is to establish a more efficient and coordinated policing structure backed by constitutional safeguards that clearly define the responsibilities of both the Federal and State Governments through the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists.
Kalu further noted that the proposed system is built on the principle of collaboration rather than rivalry. He explained that State Police would complement existing federal security agencies by enhancing local intelligence gathering, strengthening community policing initiatives, and improving the overall response to security threats across the country. He also disclosed that the State Police Bill is currently before the Conference Committee of the National Assembly, where members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives are harmonising outstanding differences before the final draft is presented for legislative consideration.
While expressing optimism about the progress made so far, the Deputy Speaker called on Nigerians to remain actively involved in the reform process. He assured citizens that the legislation is being carefully crafted with robust constitutional safeguards capable of protecting democracy, preserving national unity, and ensuring that the establishment of State Police contributes positively to the safety of lives and property throughout the federation.
Kalu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating commitment to constitutional reforms and true federalism. He praised the President's support for initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria's security framework, expressing confidence that the proposed reforms would help build a safer, stronger, and more secure nation for all Nigerians.
