By Oluwakemi Kindness
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has described the proposed State Police Bill as one of President Bola Tinubu’s signature constitutional reform initiatives, saying the President has consistently championed a multi-layered policing system.
Kalu made the remark on Monday during a meeting of the House Committee on Constitution Review as lawmakers began clause-by-clause consideration of the Executive Bill on State Police transmitted by President Tinubu.
He said Tinubu’s support for state policing predates his presidency, recalling that he advocated the reform while serving as Governor of Lagos State.
“I must emphasise that the State Police Bill remains one of the signature constitutional reform initiatives of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Kalu said.
“As Governor of Lagos State, he was among the earliest advocates of multi-layered policing as a strategic solution to Nigeria’s security challenges. Today, as President, he is championing the same cause, demonstrating consistency between his convictions and his actions.”
Kalu said the Executive and Legislature are united in pursuing reforms that will strengthen national security, stressing that both arms of government share a common responsibility to protect lives and property.
“As we have always argued, although we are three arms of government, we are one government. There is a national objective, and all we do is align ourselves with it, especially when that objective is in the best interest of Nigerians,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker added that the House and Senate are working closely to fast-track the constitutional amendment, expressing confidence that the bill would receive presidential assent once passed by the National Assembly.
He disclosed that the House Committee would use the Senate-passed version of the Executive Bill as its working document, adopting its provisions where necessary with only minor adjustments
