LAGOS ASSEMBLY SPEAKER, OBASA COMMENDS PRESIDENT TINUBU, NASS LEADERSHIP ON STATE POLICE BILL **CALLS FOR PARLIAMENTARY POLICING

LAGOS ASSEMBLY SPEAKER, OBASA COMMENDS PRESIDENT TINUBU, NASS LEADERSHIP ON STATE POLICE BILL **CALLS FOR PARLIAMENTARY POLICING

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for their respective roles in advancing the proposed constitutional amendment on the establishment of State Police.

Speaker Obasa gave the commendation during plenary while expressing the support of the Lagos State House of Assembly for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, transmitted to State Houses of Assembly through the Clerk of the National Assembly for consideration and approval in accordance with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria(as amended).

The Speaker noted that successive administrations had consistently raised concerns about the country’s security challenges, particularly the need to establish State Police as part of efforts to strengthen security across the federation.

He observed that the long-standing aspiration for State Police was gradually becoming a reality, describing the proposed amendment as a step in the right direction. However, he expressed concern that the proposed provisions had yet to adequately address fundamental questions surrounding the control and administration of the Police, with substantial powers still concentrated at the federal level.

According to him, “While the proposed amendment represents a step in the right direction, there is still room for improvement to ensure that future administrations can strengthen the provisions and grant States greater authority in managing their security systems.”

Rt. Hon. Obasa further called for the inclusion of provisions for parliamentary policing to safeguard lawmakers, protect legislative institutions, and ensure the effective discharge of legislative duties across the country.

He stressed that protecting the legislature was essential to strengthening democratic institutions, preserving the independence of the legislative arm of government, and sustaining democracy in Nigeria.

The Speaker reiterated his appreciation to President Tinubu for his consideration and support towards the realisation of the long-standing aspiration for State Police. He also acknowledged the contributions of the leadership of the National Assembly in advancing the proposed constitutional amendment, emphasising the need for all tiers of government to prioritise the security and welfare of citizens and residents.

He equally commended serving and former members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for their commitment, dedication, and contributions to legislative development and the strengthening of democratic governance.

Following the resolution of the House in support of the proposed amendment, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Adenike Oshinowo, to formally communicate the Assembly’s position to the National Assembly.