Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has dismissed fears that state governors could abuse the proposed state police structure, describing such concerns as "annoying" and insisting that the reform will finally hold state chief executives accountable for security failures. Sowunmi made the remarks on Thursday, June 25, 2026, during an interview on Channels Television's The Morning Brief, where he also praised President Bola Tinubu for his role in securing the Senate's passage of the landmark constitutional amendment bill.
"Mr President, 'Eagle One', well done, because the argument people made that 'Oh, it would be abused' is annoying," Sowunmi said, using the President's code name to salute what he described as bold leadership on a reform that has eluded Nigeria for decades. According to the PDP chieftain, the creation of state police would eliminate a longstanding excuse often cited by governors for their inability to effectively tackle insecurity in their states. "Now we have removed that excuse" of governors saying they are not in control of the police and other security apparatus, Sowunmi declared.
The Senate passed the State Police Bill on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, after President Tinubu transmitted it to the National Assembly as part of moves to address escalating insecurity across the country. The bill was considered after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele presented its general principles, subsequently scaling second reading, undergoing clause-by-clause consideration, and passing third reading. A key provision of the bill empowers state governors to appoint commissioners of police for their respective states, subject to confirmation by their state Houses of Assembly.
The development comes amid growing calls for decentralised policing following rising cases of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes that have overwhelmed the centralised Nigeria Police Force. Before the Senate's action, Tinubu had hinted at the move during a February 26, 2026, interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. "We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make the right response to these challenges," the President had said. "What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking about how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate state police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear".
For Sowunmi, the bill's passage is a turning point. He argued that state governors, having long blamed insecurity on their lack of control over the police and other security structures, must now take greater responsibility for securing lives and property within their territories. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for concurrence, after which it will require presidential assent and ratification by at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before becoming law. For now, Sowunmi's message is clear: the era of excuses is over, and the fear of abuse should not stand in the way of a reform that could finally bring security closer to the people.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments