By Aaron Ossai
Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, has thrown his weight behind the establishment of state police, saying the reform could improve community security if backed by strong safeguards against political interference.
Elumelu made the submission 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.”
He said the growing debate over state police was timely, given the worsening concerns over national security, community safety and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s federal structure.
According to him policing goes beyond security, as it is also closely linked to governance, constitutional responsibilities and the relationship between the federal and sub-national governments.
Elumelu argued that Nigerians expect security agencies to understand the peculiarities of their communities and respond quickly to threats against lives and property.
He questioned whether the current centralised policing structure provided sufficient capacity for local responsiveness while preserving national standards and cohesion.
The former lawmaker said any move towards state police must, however, be approached with caution and a clear commitment to the national interest.
He stressed that bringing policing closer to the people should go hand in hand with mechanisms that guarantee professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and protection from political manipulation.
“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.
Elumelu maintained that strengthening federalism required striking a balance between national unity and the capacity of federating units to respond effectively to the security needs of their people.
He called for sustained dialogue, constitutional review and institutional reforms to address the challenges associated with the proposed establishment of state police.
He also urged lawmakers, journalists, civil society organisations, academics, security experts and other stakeholders to work towards a policing system capable of protecting citizens, restoring public confidence and strengthening national cohesion.
Elumelu said the media had a critical role to play in the process, particularly through accurate reporting, promoting informed public debate and holding government institutions accountable.
He commended the House of Representatives Press Corps for sustaining the annual parliamentary lecture, expressing optimism that the forum would enrich the national discourse and provide useful recommendations for policymakers.
The former Minority Leader said the success of any policing reform would ultimately depend on the ability of the government to combine effective local policing with professional standards, institutional accountability and protection of citizens’ rights.
