A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Segun Sowunmi, has welcomed the Senate’s passage of the state police bill, arguing that concerns over potential abuse of the new security structure are exaggerated.
Speaking during an appearance on The Morning Brief on Channels Television on Thursday, Sowunmi commended President Bola Tinubu for championing the constitutional amendment that paves the way for state-controlled policing across the country.
According to him, critics who warn that governors could misuse state police powers are focusing on the wrong issue at a time when Nigeria faces serious security threats.
“Mr President, ‘Eagle One’, well done, because the argument people made that ‘Oh, it would be abused’ is annoying,” Sowunmi said during the interview.
He maintained that the creation of state police removes a longstanding justification often cited by state governments for failing to tackle insecurity effectively.
Sowunmi noted that governors have frequently argued that they lack direct control over the police and other security agencies operating within their states.
With the constitutional amendment now advancing through the legislative process, he said that excuse can no longer stand.
“Now we have removed that excuse,” he said, stressing that governors will be expected to take greater responsibility for the safety of residents in their jurisdictions.
The comments came a day after the Senate approved a bill seeking to establish state police as part of broader efforts to strengthen security and address rising criminal activities across Nigeria.
The legislation was presented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who outlined its general principles before lawmakers.
The bill subsequently passed its second reading, underwent clause-by-clause consideration, and successfully scaled the third reading.
A major provision of the proposed law empowers state governors to appoint commissioners of police for their respective states.
Such appointments would, however, require confirmation by the relevant state houses of assembly.
Supporters of the initiative argue that decentralising policing will improve intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response to local security threats, and strengthen accountability at the state level.
The Senate’s action follows increasing calls for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture amid persistent challenges, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes affecting various parts of the country.
President Tinubu had earlier signalled his support for state police and urged lawmakers to consider constitutional amendments that would make it possible.
During an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on February 26, 2026, the president emphasised the need for stronger measures to confront insecurity nationwide.
“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make the right response to these challenges,” Tinubu told the lawmakers.
He also called on the National Assembly to begin work on constitutional changes that would enable state police, arguing that such a move would help secure forests, combat criminal groups, and improve public safety.
The passage of the bill marks a significant step in Nigeria’s long-running debate over policing reforms and could reshape the country’s security framework if the constitutional amendment process is completed.
