…hails Tinubu at 74
The National Assembly is committed to crafting a framework for a decentralised police model that will serve the interests of all regardless of their status,” he said.
By Deborah Hassan
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has said the National Assembly is designing a state police framework with built-in accountability mechanisms aimed at preventing misuse by the political class.
Bamidele disclosed that the proposed decentralised policing model will not only devolve powers to sub-national governments but also establish strict safeguards to protect citizens’ rights and strengthen the justice system.
“The National Assembly is committed to crafting a framework for a decentralised police model that will serve the interests of all regardless of their status,” he said.
He disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday to mark the 74th birthday of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the initiative is receiving priority attention amid worsening security concerns across the country.
According to Bamidele, the president “has already lent his voice to the creation of a decentralised police model as part of measures to ensure the security of lives, private property and public installations across the federation.”
The push for state policing has gained renewed momentum in recent months, with stakeholders arguing that a centralised system is overstretched and less responsive to local security realities.
As part of ongoing efforts, the Nigeria Police Force has submitted a detailed framework to the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, for legislative review.
Bamidele explained that the core objective of the proposal is to bring policing closer to the people.
“The essence of the model is to devolve policing powers to the sub-national authorities with a view to ensuring effective governance even in the remotest part of our land,” he said.
He added that the framework would be anchored on accountability and the rule of law.
“It will incorporate accountability mechanisms that will prevent the abuse of power by the political class; reinforce justice administration; discourage the culture of impunity and set guardrails for the preservation of fundamental human rights,” he stated.
He further assured that the National Assembly and the Presidency are aligned on the reform.
“All these initiatives are at the core of shared conviction, which the Presidency and National Assembly have been working on to secure Nigeria better.”
Beyond security reforms, Bamidele used the occasion to commend President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a reform-driven leader whose policies are beginning to yield results.
He said Tinubu “has remained firm and resolute, leading daily our fatherland with conviction and resilience… despite the difficult times we are going through.”
The senate leader described the president as “a man of history, purpose and vision,” adding that his reforms, though initially challenging, “have now started yielding enviable outcomes that promise a greater Nigeria.”
Bamidele also pointed to ongoing economic and fiscal reforms under the administration, noting that they are gradually stabilising the economy and improving governance outcomes.
While acknowledging the country’s current challenges, he maintained that the administration’s policy direction is steering Nigeria towards recovery, stability and long-term growth.