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Senate passes state police bill, governors to appoint CPs

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The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish state police services across the country, a major milestone in ongoing efforts to decentralise policing and tackle Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

The proposed legislation introduces a dual policing framework comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services, effectively replacing the existing structure under which policing is exclusively controlled by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force.

The bill was passed after Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, presented its general principles on the floor of the Red Chamber.

It subsequently scaled second reading, underwent a rigorous clause-by-clause consideration and was passed for third reading after securing the support of more than two-thirds of the senators.

A key provision of the constitutional amendment empowers governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to confirmation by the state Houses of Assembly.

Clause 17 of the bill provides that a State Police Service shall be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council and confirmed by the House of Assembly of the state.

The proposed law further defines the operational relationship between governors and state police commands, allowing governors to issue lawful written directives of a general policy nature to Commissioners of Police on matters relating to the maintenance of public safety and order within their states.

To address widespread concerns over possible abuse of the proposed policing structure, lawmakers incorporated safeguards aimed at protecting political freedoms and civil liberties.

The bill expressly states that a state Commissioner of Police shall not arrest, detain, investigate or deploy force against any individual, political party or group merely for criticising the government, except in accordance with the law.

The provision is intended to prevent state police formations from being used to intimidate political opponents, activists, journalists and other dissenting voices while ensuring that all actions taken conform with due process.

The amendment also empowers the Federal Police Service to temporarily intervene in the internal security affairs of a state where there is an actual or imminent breakdown of public order or public safety which the state police are unable or unwilling to contain.

Such intervention must be authorised in writing by the President, who is required to state the grounds, territorial scope, functions and duration of the operation.

The President must also notify the governor, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, the National Police Council and the National Assembly within 48 hours of the commencement of the intervention.

The bill further provides that no federal intervention shall continue beyond a period to be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly unless approved by a resolution of the Senate.

The Senate’s approval came barely a day after President Bola Tinubu transmitted the bill to the National Assembly as part of his administration’s efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.

According to the President, the proposed amendment is designed to provide a legal framework for a dual policing structure that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the federal police.

Tinubu said the proposal is a critical component of ongoing efforts to reorganise the country’s policing system, enhance security and better protect citizens, adding that communities, municipalities and local government areas would play more active roles in policing responsibilities under the new arrangement.

The renewed push for state police comes amid growing concerns over insecurity, banditry and mass kidnappings across parts of the country.

Supporters of the proposal argue that decentralised policing would strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering, deepen community-based security initiatives and ensure quicker responses to crimes and emergencies.

Critics, however, have cautioned against possible political interference by governors, funding challenges and the risk of exacerbating ethnic or communal tensions.

Tinubu had earlier described state police as inevitable in addressing the nation’s security challenges and urged lawmakers to fast-track constitutional amendments aimed at bringing the proposal to fruition.

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‎LAF Foundation Founder, Adisa Marks Birthday with Food Outreach in Oyo

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‎Founder of the LAF Foundation, Dr. Olalekan Adisa, has  celebrated his birthday by distributing food items to residents across Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, reaffirming his commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society.

The outreach, which attracted beneficiaries from different communities within the council area, was organised to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship confronting many households. Residents, including the elderly, widows, and low-income earners, received bags of rice and other food items from the foundation.

‎According to Adisa, his birthday was an opportunity to appreciate God by extending love and kindness to people in need rather than holding elaborate celebrations.

He said: “Every birthday reminds me that life is meaningful only when it positively impacts others. Today is not just about celebrating another year; it is about sharing God’s blessings with those around us. If we all make helping others a habit, our communities will become stronger and more united.”

The scholar noted that the LAF Foundation would continue to champion humanitarian interventions aimed at improving the welfare of the less privileged through education support, health initiatives, youth empowerment and community development programmes.

‎In his words, “The economic realities demand that those who have the capacity should lend a helping hand. This gesture may seem small, but for many families, it will make a significant difference. Our commitment to humanity remains unwavering.”

‎Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the foundation for the timely intervention, describing the gesture as a source of relief. They commended Adisa for consistently identifying with ordinary people and prayed for greater strength and resources for him to sustain the initiative.

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‎Oseni hails Dotun Sanusi’s elevation as Gbonka Olubadan, says honour well deserved

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‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general election and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated foremost businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his elevation to the prestigious chieftaincy title of Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing the honour as a fitting reward for a life devoted to service, compassion and the development of humanity.

‎Oseni, in a statement issued on Friday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said the elevation was a well-deserved recognition of Chief Sanusi’s outstanding contributions to the socio-economic growth of Ibadanland and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of countless people through philanthropy, enterprise and community development.

‎The federal lawmaker noted that Chief Sanusi has, over the years, distinguished himself as an exceptional son of Ibadan whose investments, humanitarian interventions and unwavering support for the less privileged have continued to leave lasting footprints across Oyo State and beyond.

‎He said the latest elevation in the revered Olubadan traditional succession line was not merely a recognition of status, but a celebration of character, integrity and purposeful leadership, adding that Chief Sanusi has consistently demonstrated that genuine greatness is measured by the number of lives positively impacted.

‎According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the respected industrialist has earned the admiration of many through his humility, generosity and unwavering commitment to the progress of his people, stressing that his contributions to education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic development have continued to strengthen communities and inspire hope.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, I heartily congratulate my distinguished  brother and friend, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his well-deserved elevation as the Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland. This honour is not only a recognition of your place in the revered Olubadan traditional institution, but also a celebration of your remarkable life of service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to humanity,” Oseni said.

‎He added: “You have consistently shown that true leadership is about touching lives, creating opportunities and giving hope to others. Your philanthropy has restored dignity to many families, empowered young people, supported education and strengthened communities. It is gratifying to see these noble contributions being recognised through this prestigious elevation. I am confident that you will continue to serve Ibadanland with the same humility, wisdom and sense of responsibility that have always defined your public life.”

‎Oseni also commended the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Olubadan-in-Council for preserving the time-honoured succession tradition, describing the institution as one of the enduring symbols of stability, unity and cultural heritage in Yorubaland.

‎He expressed confidence that Chief Sanusi’s elevation would further strengthen the traditional institution while inspiring a new generation of leaders to embrace selfless service, integrity and genuine commitment to community development.

The APC senatorial candidate prayed for God’s continued guidance, sound health and greater wisdom for the new Gbonka Olubadan as he ascends to higher responsibilities, expressing optimism that his new status would open another remarkable chapter of impactful service to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

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Oriire Rescue: SWEGOP Seeks Stronger Security in Border Communities

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The South West Guild of Online Publishers has urged the Federal and Oyo State governments to strengthen security in border communities following the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The guild said the successful rescue of the victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending months in captivity, should mark a turning point in efforts to secure vulnerable communities and prevent similar attacks.

In a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Bisi Oladele, and Public Relations Officer, Remi Oladoye, SWEGOP commended President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the security agencies for what it described as their commitment and coordinated efforts that led to the victims’ rescue.

The guild described the operation as proof that strong political will, intelligence-driven operations and effective collaboration among security agencies can deliver positive results in the fight against insecurity.

It also praised the gallantry, resilience and professionalism of the military and other security personnel involved in the operation, noting that their sacrifices had restored hope to the rescued victims, their families and residents of Oyo State.

While celebrating the successful rescue, SWEGOP sympathised with the families of security personnel and civilians who lost their lives during the ordeal, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.

The publishers observed that recent abductions across parts of the country revealed a disturbing pattern of attacks on border communities, where inadequate security presence, poor road networks, weak telecommunications infrastructure and easy escape routes into neighbouring countries have continued to expose residents to criminal activities.

It, therefore, called on governments at all levels to sustain the level of cooperation demonstrated during the rescue operation by strengthening collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to improve the safety of residents.

The guild further urged both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to deepen investments in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, rapid response mechanisms and community policing to guarantee the safety of schools and ensure that children can learn without fear.

SWEGOP reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting peace, public safety and the protection of lives and property across the South-West and the country.

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