By Gloria Ikibah
Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, has backed the establishment of state police, saying the reform must bring policing closer to communities without compromising 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 themed, “The Imperative for State Police: Securing Communities, Strengthening Federalism.”
Elumelu said the debate on state police was timely, particularly against the backdrop of concerns over national security, community safety and the structure of Nigeria’s federal system.
He said policing was not merely a security matter but also an issue of governance, constitutional responsibility and the relationship among 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 to lives and property.
He therefore questioned whether the existing policing architecture provided sufficient room for local responsiveness while maintaining national standards and cohesion.
Elumelu urged stakeholders to approach the debate on state police with seriousness, openness and a commitment to the national interest.
He stressed that while bringing policing closer to the people was important, it must be accompanied by safeguards against abuse, including 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 an effective balance between national unity and the ability of federating units to respond to the realities of their people.
He called for continuous dialogue, constitutional reflection and institutional reform in addressing the state police question.
Elumelu also urged legislators, journalists, civil society actors, academics, security professionals and citizens to focus on building a policing system capable of protecting Nigerians, strengthening public confidence and contributing to a more secure and cohesive federation.
He said the media, particularly the parliamentary press corps, had an important role to play through accurate reporting, facilitating informed debate and holding public institutions accountable.
Elumelu commended the House of Representatives Press Corps for sustaining the annual lecture, expressing confidence that the discussions would enrich the national conversation and provide valuable perspectives for policymakers and other stakeholders.
