By Oluwakemi Kindness
Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Henry Nwawuba, says Parliament must respond to Nigeria’s insecurity challenges through policy and legislative innovation.
Nwawuba stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2nd Annual House of Representatives Press Corps Distinguished Parliamentary Lecture, where Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, backed State Police, while former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, called for safeguards against political interference.
The lecture was themed, “The Imperative for State Police: Securing Communities, Strengthening Federalism.”
Nwawuba said the proposed establishment of State Police offered Parliament an opportunity to explore new approaches to tackling insecurity.
The former Chairman of the House Committee on Monitoring of the Legislative Agenda said lawmakers could not continue to sympathise with victims of insecurity without taking legislative action.
“We can’t keep saying our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of insecurity and we call ourselves legislators. We will get tired. After a while it becomes shameful. Is it that there is nothing we can do?” he asked.
Nwawuba acknowledged concerns surrounding State Police but said funding and other safeguards must receive adequate attention.
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago backed State Police, saying policing must move closer to communities to tackle security challenges.
His position was conveyed by Muazu Rijau, who represented him at the lecture.
Rijau said the rising rate of crime and insecurity showed the need for a security architecture capable of responding to the peculiar challenges of different communities.
“Niger State has taken a position in support of the establishment of State Police,” Rijau said, adding that other states were also making moves to support the initiative.
He said security affects everyone regardless of political affiliation or background, stressing the need for a system that would protect communities and allow citizens to go about their daily activities without fear.
Also a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu also backed State Police but called for safeguards against political interference.
His goodwill message was delivered by Pastor Edward Ogude.
Elumelu said citizens expected security agencies to understand the peculiar circumstances of their communities and respond promptly to threats to lives and property.
He said bringing policing closer to the people must go with professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and protection from 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.
Elumelu called for continuous dialogue, constitutional reflection and institutional reform, saying State Police should strengthen public confidence and contribute to a more secure and cohesive federation.
