State Police Gain Momentum As Ondo Lawmakers Endorse Constitutional Amendment

The Ondo State House of Assembly has endorsed a proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution seeking to introduce state police in Nigeria, in a move aimed at strengthening security and improving responses to crime at the grassroots level.

The lawmakers approved the proposal during plenary in Akure on Monday after deliberating on its potential implications for the state and the country.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Assembly received the proposed amendment on September 24 through a letter from the Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, which was presented to the House by Speaker Olamide Oladiji.

Leading the motion for the proposal’s approval, the House Leader, Olatunji Oshati, said lawmakers had considered the potential impact of the constitutional amendment on residents of Ondo State. He expressed optimism that the establishment of state police could help address Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.

The motion was seconded by Allen Oluwatoyin, who represents Ese-Odo State Constituency, before members voted in support of the proposal.

Speaking after the resolution, Oladiji described the introduction of state police as a long-overdue step towards improving the country’s security framework.

The Speaker argued that allowing states to operate their own police forces would enable security personnel to respond more quickly to criminal activities within their jurisdictions. He added that a policing structure rooted in local communities could strengthen intelligence gathering, build public confidence and support the early detection and prevention of crime.

Oladiji also commended his colleagues for their contributions during the consideration of the proposal, expressing support for efforts to improve security through a more locally responsive policing system.

The Ondo Assembly’s endorsement is expected to be forwarded to the National Assembly for further consideration as part of the constitutional amendment process.

However, the proposal would still require the necessary constitutional approval procedures before state police could be established. The debate over state policing in Nigeria has centred on its potential to improve local security, alongside concerns about accountability, funding and the possible influence of state authorities over police operations.