Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has given his support for the creation of State police, said it will bring policing closer to communities
Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, has thrown his weight behind the establishment of state police, saying the reform would bring policing closer to communities while strengthening professionalism, accountability and national cohesion.
Elumelu 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 held with the theme, “The Imperative for State Police: Securing Communities, Strengthening Federalism.”
Elumelu described the debate over state police as timely, particularly against the backdrop of growing concerns over national security, community safety and the structure of Nigeria’s federal system.
He said policing should not be viewed solely as a security matter, but also as an issue of governance, constitutional responsibility and the relationship between the different tiers of government.
According to him, Nigerians expect security agencies to understand the peculiar circumstances of their communities and respond promptly to threats against lives and property.
He therefore questioned whether the existing policing architecture had sufficient capacity to provide the level of local responsiveness required while preserving national standards and cohesion.
Elumelu said the debate on state police must be approached with seriousness, openness and a firm commitment to the national interest.
He stressed that bringing policing closer to the people must be matched with safeguards that guarantee professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and protection against 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 striking a balance between national unity and the capacity of federating units to respond effectively to the realities and security needs of their people.
He called for sustained dialogue, constitutional reflection and institutional reforms in resolving the issues surrounding the proposed establishment of state police.
Elumelu also urged lawmakers, journalists, civil society organisations, academics, security professionals and other stakeholders to contribute to the development of a policing system capable of protecting Nigerians, restoring public confidence and strengthening national cohesion.
He said the media, particularly the parliamentary press corps, had a critical role to play by promoting accurate reporting, facilitating informed public debate and holding public institutions accountable.
Elumelu commended the House of Representatives Press Corps for sustaining the annual lecture, expressing optimism that the discussions would contribute to the national conversation on policing and provide useful perspectives for policymakers and other stakeholders.
